Feb 2025

2025

OFFICIAL TOWN OF SEVERANCE NEWSLETTER

SEVERANCE SCOOP ALL THE NEWS YOU NEED AND MORE In this monthly newsletter you’ll find messages from the Mayor and/or Town Council, learn about upcoming Town events, news, updates from businesses and groups in the Community. Be in the know on happenings in Town, stay informed and get involved.

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STATE OF THE TOWN Tuesday, February 25th 6pm @ Town Hall **This is an in-person event and will not be live streamed

COUNCIL CORNER FROM: MAYOR

Matt Fries

Hello Severance!

Please come and join me and your town council for the 2nd annual State of the Town Town Hall. Tuesday February 25th, 6:00 pm at Town Hall.

Hope to see you there!

Tad Borret COUNCIL MEMBER

Dave Bruen COUNCIL MEMBER

Stepehn Gagliardi COUNCIL MEMBER

Craig Joseph COUNCIL MEMBER

Dan Meyers COUNCIL MEMBER

FROM: MAYOR PRO-TEM

Brittany Vandermark Happy late New Year, With every new year comes a time of reflection.

Setting a resolution without a plan sets us up to fail. I like to look back over the last year, see what I can improve, and set little goals to help me achieve my overall resolution or action of change.

For some, the goal is getting in better shape, but how is that done without a plan? You can join a gym, but then what? What workouts do you do?

What do you eat? etc... I think the last month or so has shown that, as a town, we could set a new goal or resolution of being more involved and more informed in the running of our wonderful town. Just saying, "I am going to be more informed," will not set you up for success, so here are some smaller ideas on things you can do. You could download the Town of Severance app and get a notification for the release of newsletters and take the time to read them in depth. You could set a goal to watch our town council meeting on your own time; you can even listen to them in the background while working or cooking. You could set a goal to come to the first part of the town council meeting. Did you know that if you attend our meeting for the first 20 minutes or so, you will have the opportunity to make public comments and hear all the updates from town staff, police, and the council? Then you can leave, no one will be offended. You can watch our new video series WTC, which is all about what the Council is, what we do, and why you want to pay attention. There are so many other options to becoming a more informed citizen, and most take very little time away from our busy schedules.

I look forward to seeing everyone at all the events throughout the year.

TOWN

BUSINESS

2025 BUSINESS LICENSE APPLICATION All businesses must renew their business licenses annually. You can find the application online on our website at https://www.townofseverance.org/241/Ho me-Based-Businesses-Business-Sales-Tax. Business licenses cost $25 and last from January to December. *If you are selling goods within the town limits you must also have a sales tax license, and that license has no cost.

NOTARY SERVICES NOW AVAILABLE FOR SEVERANCE RESIDENTS!

The Town of Severance is excited to announce that Notary services are now available exclusively to our residents! Whether you need documents notarized for legal, financial, or personal reasons, we’re here to help.

Service Details: Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM Town of Severance Town Hall Building This convenient service is part of our 2025 SOLICITORS commitment to supporting our residents by Solicitors must have a copy of their offering accessible and reliable resources approved permit with them. Sec. 6-1-150. within the community.

Solicitors, canvassers, door-to-door How to Access: salespersons.

Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID. If you would like to be added to the No Ensure your documents are complete and Solicitors List please call Town Hall at 970ready for notarization (do not sign them in 686-1218 and your address will be added. If advance). someone who is not approved comes to Stop by during our designated service your house, please call the Severance Police hours—no appointment is necessary!

Dept. at 970-350-9600 Please note: This service is available to Severance residents only.

PETS IN SEVERANCE We’re here to serve you, Severance!

All pets in Severance must be licensed per Sec 7-6-30. To receive the license, you pet must be up to date on vaccines. There is a $15 fee for the pet license. The pet license lasts 3 years and will need to be renewed.

Those who have already obtained a pet license will not need to renew.

Reminder that all pets must be leashed in public areas. Please remember to pick up after your pet to keep our outdoor spaces clean as well as our storm water systems.

Sec 7-6-20 & Sec 7-6-90

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February 8th-14th Hearts around Severance 25th State of the Town

April 26th Clean Up Days

May 24th Fishing Derby 25th Touch a Truck

June 6th Summer Kick-Off Concert 25th Movies in the Park

July 11th Military & First Responder Appreciation Concert 25th Movies in the Park

August 5th National Night Out 22nd, 23rd, 24th Severance Days

September 12th Movies in the Park

October 1st Coffee with a Cop 28th Budget Open House 31st Trick or Treat Parade

November 8th Severance Food Drive

December 13th Town Christmas

2024 AND

BUSINESS, CITIZEN, YOUTH OF THE YEAR

Business of the Year: Vecinos Mexican Grill and Cantina Citizen of the Year: Hattie Fritch Youth of the Year: Kyson McEvoy

2024 PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS

Aaron Laubach

Scott Holman

Evie Eskridge

BUSINESS

SPOTLIGHT

VECINOS MEXICAN GRILL AND CANTINA Vecinos Mexican Grill and Cantina was selected as the Town of Severances 2024 Business of the Year! They were nominated because of their commitment to their community. We asked owner, Kristie Melendez a few questions about her business and why she picked Severance.

“Our location sort of came to us” said Kristie Melendez. explaining that her family homestead she grew up on is just 2 miles from the restaurant on County Road 23. After learning the building was available from current waitress, Felisa DeHerrera, Melendez made some calls and the rest was history!

“Severance is a great family friendly community with lots of homeowners and residents that we thought would appreciate a local hang out to bring their family and friends while enjoying green chili favorites and cervezas,” said Melendez.

What we love most is the community of people (our regulars) who are so supportive and generous to us visiting us several times a week on a regular basis. They are the reason we do what we do and why we are still in business! We want to take this opportunity to thank them for their patronage and loyalty, it truly means a lot to us!

When asked what plans are for the future at Vecinos, Kristie Melendez (owner), mentioned many new menu items including: expanding breakfast service, chicken fried steak, pesole and ceviche and possibly a few burgers. They also plan to have more family-oriented events like bingo!

What do you like most about having your business in Severance?

We appreciate the ability to be able to have open communication and a good working relationship with the staff at the town. When you have an issue or a concern you always get through to a live person and are not put on hold or forwarded and forced to talk to someone virtually.

FEBRUARY

MONTHLY

UPDATE

Wednesday, Feburary 5th 6pm | Citizen Advisory Board

Thursday, February 6th 1pm | Municipal Court

February 8th-14th Hearts around Severance Scavenger Hunt

Tuesday, February 11th 5pm-7pm| Town Council Work Session/ Regular Meeting

Monday, February 17th President’s Day| Facilities Closed

Monday, February 24th 6pm| Tree Board Meeting

Tuesday, February 25th 6pm | State of the Town

GET INVOLVED TOWN COUNCIL MEEITING EVERY 2ND & 4TH TUESDAY Works Session at 5 PM & Council Meeting at 6 PM

TREE BOARD MEETING FOURTH MONDAY OF THE MONTH at 6 PM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING THIRD WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH at 6 PM CITIZEN ADVISORY BOARD FIRST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH at 6 PM

All meetings are held at Town Hall.

You can attend inperson or online.

More information about meetings can be found on our website. We look forward to seeing you!

Clean Up Days Saturday, April 26th 2024 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 7AM- CURBSIDE PICKUP (4FTX3FT SPACE ONLY) 7AM- MULCH AT LAKEVIEW PARK *1ST COME, 1ST SERVED, UNTIL MULCH IS GONE

MUS CLEANT BRING POSTC UP DAYS AR PROOF D AND OF RESID ENCY TO COMM U I T Y PARK ONE E . *ONLY NT HOUSE RY PER HOLD

8AM-12PM- ROLL-OFFS AT COMMUNITY PARK *ONE ENTRY PER HOUSEHOLD *NO ENTRY WITHOUT POSTCARD AND PROOF OF RESIDENCY 10AM-2PM- DRUG TAKE BACK AT TOWN HALL 10:30AM-1:30PM- PAPER SHREDDING AT TOWN HALL THE CLEAN UP DAYS POSTCARD WILL ARRIVE IN THE MAIL CLOSER TO THE EVENT DATE. PLEASE BRING THE POSTCARD AND PROOF OF RESIDENCY TO THE COMMUNITY PARK. ONLY ONE ENTRY PER HOUSEHOLD. IF YOU DO NOT RECIEVE A POSTCARD CLOSER TO THE EVENT DATE PLEASE CALL TOWN HALL AT 970-686-1218

NOT ALLOWED* Appliances (refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, washer/dryers electronics (Tv’s, computers, monitors, gaming consoles etc.) tires, metal, cleaning products, paint, solvents, batteries, aerosols of any kind, petroleum products ( gasoline, motor oil, oil filter, fuel filters etc.) antifreeze, herbicides, pesticides, hazardous material.

Hazardous waste can be dropped off at North Household Hazardous Waste Facility 1311 North 17th Avenue Greeley, CO 80634 Electronics can be dropped off at Shaefer Enterprise, 420 15th St, Greeley, CO 80631

*IF ITEMS LARGER THAN 4X3 OR ITEM NOT ALLOWED, IT WILL NOT BE PICKED UP* MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE AT TOWNOFSEVERANCE.ORG **CHANGES WILL BE COMING IN 2026 TO THE ANNUAL CLEAN UP DAYS EVENT**

MESSAGE

FROM

CHEIF

CHAVEZ

It's tax season, it’s important to stay aware of scams that target people during this time. Here are a few quick tips to help protect yourself: #1. The IRS will never contact you by phone or text message. If you get a call or text claiming to be from the IRS, it’s a scam trying to steal your personal information.

Don’t share any details or click on any links in such messages. #2. Make sure to use a trustworthy tax preparation company or software when filing your taxes. This ensures that your information is handled securely. #3. You can create an online account at IRS.gov to track your tax status and address any issues with your filing directly.

Porch lights and Address Numbers As we are now in the time of year when hours of darkness are greatest, being able to quickly identify a specific address is very helpful to our officers. Therefore, it is important that each home or business has their address numbers posted and clearly visible from the street.

We highly recommend that homeowners leave their front porch and driveway lights on each night to deter crime. Lights also enhance home video systems that catch criminal acts. A reminder to all to please comply with school zone speed limits to keep our kids safe. Additionally, please drive prudently when we have snow or ice in the roads. Please reduce speed as conditions warrant.

Lastly, report crimes or suspicious activity when you see it. By all of us working together, we can ensure that Severance maintains its one of Colorado’s safest town’s status.

Please feel free to reach out to me anytime with any police issues or questions you may have.

Chief Ken Chavez kchavez@townofseverance.org

Severance Police Department

Please remember to shovel walkways within 24 hours of the last measurable snowfall or snowdrift.

This is to ensure the safety of all residents.

If you would like to be put on the No Solicitor List please call Town Hall at 970-686-1218 or email info@townofseeverance.org

You can be cited if found with your pet off leash in our public parks, trails and spaces.

As part of our commitment to building a safer community, WSFR is proud to partner with First Due and the Community Connect Program. As you may have heard, we have been working with technology partner First Due to release a new public safety program for the Windsor Severance Fire Rescue District. The program is called Community Connect and it allows the residents in our district to share valuable life safety information with our department. Residents can provide details about their home, family, children, pets, medical/functional needs, and more so that when First Responders are dispatched to an emergency at that residence, they have the most information as possible before arriving on scene.

This is an incredible program for our community and will allow us to keep our district much safer, but to run a successful program in we need the involvement and engagement of all residents, families, and homeowners.

This is where we need your help. Sharing information such as the below can be incredibly helpful for First Responders to know if they are dispatched to your home. Having this information inputted beforehand will allow them to customize their approach before they arrive on scene so they can best meet the specific needs of your home and family:

Occupant & Contact Info Names of all occupants Phone Numbers Emergency Contact information Home Access/Details and Utilities Gate Code Pool/Basement Gas/Water Shut Off Medical & Functional Needs Where medicine is located How a person in the home will react in a stressful situation If someone has mobility needs and will need assistance evacuating Pets Name of pet If they have a hiding place If they are dangerous or will attack strangers Community Connect is a secure platform and the information you provide will only be used by Windsor Severance Fire Rescue at the time of dispatch for the purpose of better serving you during emergency situations.

All logins and passwords are protected with bank level encryption and security. If you’re comfortable logging into your online bank, you’ll be comfortable logging into Community Connect.

WWW.WSFR.US/COMMUNITY-CONNECT

2024 STATE OF THE TOWN Established in 1920, Severance Town Limits consist of 13 sq. miles.

The growth Management area (GMA) is 79.8 sq. miles. The population is approximately 11,600 residents. The Town is responsible for the general maintenance of 82 centerline miles through the completion of annual surface repairs, street sweeping, and snow removal.

2024 TOTAL SUBDIVISIONS: 20 (TOTAL LOTS PLATTED AT FULL BUILDOUT~ 4,314 FOR THE BELOW SUBDIVISIONS) o Baldridge est. 2000 o Belmont Farms est. 1998 o Casa Loma est. 1998 o Downtown/Old Town est.1894 o Fox Ridge est. 2002 o Golden Eagle Acres est.2018 o Hidden Valley est. 2011 o Hunter’s Crossing est. 2019 o Hunter’s Hill est. 2003 o Lakeview est. 1981

o Saddler Ridge est. 2006 o Settlers Landing est. 1995 o Severance Reserve est. 2021 o Severance Shores est. 2019 o Soaring Eagle est. 2001 o Summit View est. 2003 o Sunset Ridge est. 2009 o Tailholt est. 2015 o The Overlook est. 2018 o Timber Ridge est. 2000

New Approved Home-based Business Council Approved in 2024: Jack Russell Grooming (Dog Grooming) Buzy Bee Family Child Care Where the Wild Things Play (Child Care)

New Approved Home-based Business Staff Approved in 2024: Mortal Fools Morsels LLC (Bakery Confections) MacNChz, LLC (Childcare)

2022-2024 GRANTS RECEIVED Off-System Bridge Program ($280,000) (CDOT) Total rehab of small Cr80 bridge I-HOP – ($50,250) Faster – CDOT WCR 23 & HWY 392 ($750,000) Great Western Trail Connection, TAP M192-002/MTF M192-003 (Federal funding) ($600,000) Great Western Trail (2025) ($206,503) Safe Streets/Parks Crime Prevention Grant ($299,000) Security Cameras/Lighting in Parks Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) EIAF Grant ($650,000) Design and Construction: Severance Police Station Renovation NFRMPO Surface Transportation Block Grant ($1,258,985) Traffic Signal at Harmony/WCR19 NFRMPO Surface Transportation Block/Transportation Alternative Grant ($300,000) Design and Construction of a paved portion of GWT North of Harmony Rd and safe crossings on Harmony and WCR23.

PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Clearview Library – Severance Location Police Department Plat and new Severance Police Department Building Severance Storage Annexation Severance Storage Business Expansion Bowers North Concept Plan/Annexation/Zoning Codera Estates Concept Plan Cactus Hill Concept Plan Northgate Lake Preliminary Plat Land Use Code Update and Reorganization Colorado American Planning Association Conference Retail Strategies Academy

2024 PROJECTS Construction of water tank tower completed.

Restoration and additions to the Skate Park completed Construction of WCR23 Guardrails S of Haymaker completed.

Construction of the WCR23 Guardrails N of WCR80 completed early 2024.

Baldridge lift station was coated and has had new level sensors added.

Cr23 from Cr70 to Hwy 392 had a full-depth asphalt replacement and mill & overlay.

Blue Spruce from Foxtail to Mahogany had a full-depth asphalt replacement.

Crack seal was done throughout multiple neighborhoods this year.

ADA concrete grinding was done throughout neighborhoods to be completed in 2025.

Two Sidewalk extensions were added along E Harmony Rd this year.

New thermal road markings were added around the schools.

A concrete pad added for bicycle workstation at the Community Park.

Dust suppressant was added to the town's gravel roads.

Solar lights were added to Lakeview, Blue Spruce, and the dog park.

A turn lane was added for the Dollar General store entrance.

10 park benches were replaced in Summit View Park.

Lead & Copper tests were completed for the state with no issues.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

CodeRed, the Emergency Notification System in Weld County, is used by public safety officials to inform the public of immediate threats to health and safety. Sign up for the Weld County CodeRed alert system on this website: https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BF9B9A570C0B CodeRED will only be used for emergency situations near your specific address to keep you informed. We may use CodeRED to issue evacuation notices, shelter in place or lockdown orders, severe weather alerts (must opt in) as well as other public safety emergency information.

Weather alerts, which you must opt in for, are passed through the CodeRED system and sent by the National Weather Service.

Citizens need to register to receive alerts through their cellphone, text or email. Landlines in Weld County are automatically enrolled into the CodeRED system.

Save a stamp and save your time, now you can pay your bills online!

Once you sign up for your account, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without it!

When you’re ready to pay your bill, select a payment type. You can pay with credit card or debit card with NO additional fees! To pay your bill online go to www.townofseverance.org and click “Online Bill Payments” and you're good to go.

Severance Businesses 2024 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR:

Contact info@townofseverance.org to be featured in the newsletter!

Severance Businesses

Contact info@townofseverance.org to be featured in the newsletter!

SCAN TO SIGN UP FOR TOWN NOTIFICATIONS

SIGN UP FOR NOTIFICATIONS We’ve upgraded our website and created an app for the convince of all residents! Please be sure to SIGN UP for email notifications and now added feature- text messages!

CONNECT WITH US VIA PHONE Call Town Hall at 970-686-1218 Non-emergency Dispatch 970-350-9600 VIA EMAIL Email: info@townofseverance.org WEBSITE www.townofseverance.org

FOLLOW US on social media! @TownOfSeverance / @SeverancePD @TownOfSeverance @SeverancePD Town of Severance Town of Severance