2026
OFFICIAL TOWN OF SEVERANCE NEWSLETTER
NOVEMBER
SEVERANCE SCOOP ALL THE NEWS YOU NEED AND MORE In this newsletter, you’ll find messages from the Mayor and/or Town Council, learn about upcoming Town events and news, and updates from businesses and groups in the Community. Be in the know on happenings in Town and everything in between!
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SEVERANCE TOWN COUNCIL Matt Fries Mayor
Josh Ochs Council Member
Dave Bruen Council Member
Kyle Russell Council Member
Brittany Vandermark Mayor Pro-Tem
Stephen Gagliardi Council Member Craig Joseph Council Member
FROM MAYOR: The voters gave him the power to lead and I hope he uses that Matt Fries
Hello Severance! I am writing this article on the morning after the November 3rd mid-term election. The news media is calling the results a “Blue Wave”. Democrats appear to have taken the majority in both the US House and US Senate. I like to call it a “FREEDOM WAVE”. Although I am personally disappointed in the outcome of many of the races across our county, I respect the process and the wishes of the majority. This is the messy truth of democracy and part of living in a free society. We don’t always get what we want. I can only hope and pray that the new leadership in congress, and the Trump Administration are able to work together for the benefit of all of us. The State of Colorado has a new Governor. Not much changed in the state legislature. I do not agree with most of the politics of our new Governor, but I am putting my faith in his leadership.
power in a way that benefits all Coloradoans, even if they didn’t vote for him. Colorado needs a new direction. A direction that puts small business back in the drivers seat, not being the pedestrian that gets hit by the car. Small business is the true heart of every economy. When combined, small business creates far more jobs than big business. It is time to give the employer-employee relationship back to the employer-employee. As a small business owner for all my adult life, I know better how to run my business than the state government ever will. It is time that the state government trust the business owner, trust the entrepreneur’s / risk takers to do the right thing for their businesses and employees. We did this for decades before some political affiliation decided we weren’t. They “solved” a problem that didn’t exist, in my opinion. The future economic prosperity in Severance will be because of successful, free, small businesses.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, The proposed budget is on the Severance Colorado is still here. town’s website and I encourage Our town is in tact and functioning everyone to take a closer look. The well, despite what happens at the budget was presented and State and Federal Governments. reviewed by the town council on Truthfully, the state and federal October 27th during our work government do more to impede session. The council will take than to progress local action to adopt, reject or change governments. I think we do pretty the proposed budget during our well getting our fair share back, of regular meeting on November 10th the taxes you all pay to both the at 6:00 pm. In short, revenue is state and fed. I personally think we projected to be slightly higher in don’t need to send our tax money 2027. Expenses do the same. to Washington and Denver, let Town Management is not them launder it at higher rates recommending adding any than organized crime charges, and additional staff. Our overall then have us beg for it back reserves are still very healthy, even through grants. Together, we know though in 2026 we spent an better how to effectively use our unprecedented amount of money tax money for the benefit of the on improving our parks, of which people, than the so - called includes roughly $6.5 Million on lawmakers ever will. Sounds kind our community park. Most of of similar to the relationship I these funds came from impact spoke of above. fees and permit fees from growth that took place several years ago. Thanks for allowing me to rant. I At present, our town does not have feel better already. Remember, any debt. That will unfortunately these are my opinions, not those change is 2027. Earlier this year of my fellow council members or the Town entered into an the town government. agreement with the Town of Windsor to build a joint sewar Now for the good news. As treatment plant. Although we are required by our Town Charter, the paying for our share with $15 town manager submitted to the million is cash from fees collected town council a draft budget for from rate payers and impact fees, 2027.
and the Planning Commission we will need to bond for an meetings. I encourage each of you additional $5 million to fulfill our to attend these meetings in total share of $20 million. This investment will satisfy the needs person, streamed or watch the recordings so that you have the of our town forever. No future town council should ever have to facts and truth about each development. As someone that deal with sewar treatment, ever again. If we would have decided to respects “the process”, I can assure you the proceedings are do this on our own, the price tag conducted fairly and openly as would have been north of $65 provided for in the 14th million. Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. Our Community Park improvements are set to be complete in early December. This Included in new, potential developments are the plans to should be in time for all of us to revitalize our downtown area, gather together there and often called old town. I was hoping celebrate our Town Christmas. Details are in this Town Scoop. It at the time of writing this article I would be able to share more is unfortunate that we had to cancel Severance Days due to the information with you. renovations. However, I think you Unfortunately, the Private-Public all will be impressed with our new Partnership agreement has not yet been finalized and would be park. Our goal was to provide premature to discuss. However, amenities that came from the final agreement will be suggestions from you all, and discussed and voted on at a Town provide something for everyone, Council meeting, I hope by the end all ages. of this year. Stay tuned. More to come soon. There are new developments being proposed in Severance. In closing, I want to let you know Several are in the “pipeline” at various stages in the process. All you have a great town council and town staff working hard for you proposed development discussions are open to the public, every day. We don’t all agree on during our town council meetings everything.
Severance Town Council and Staff But we work well together to at the ribbon cutting celebration for come to a consensus that Lakeview Park. benefits the town as a whole. I know you don’t see much of what happens behind the scenes; preparing the makings of the information that is presented to town council and you. It’s a lot. It changes many times for many different reasons before it comes to town council for consideration. Please know this: Every final decision made on behalf of the town is done in public, with opportunity for each of you to speak in favor or against. This year, we celebrate 250 years of FREEDOM. Sometimes is messy. Most of the time it is difficult. We should never take it for granted. As said best by Winston Churchill, “it has been said that Democracy is the worst form of Government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time…” Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Be thankful we have each other. I am Thankful to live in Severance. I hope to see you around town soon! Matthew Fries Mayor
SEVERANCE YOUTH COUNCIL
The Severance Town Youth Council is a board that gives the youth a voice in our Town and better serves the youth of Severance. We do multiple projects around the town, such as our youth event last year and the 'Senior Prom' coming up soon. We have three pillars of success: Lead, where we learn the leadership skills needed for many future jobs. Inspire: we strive to inspire other kids and teens to be more involved in the environment and people around them. Impact: We hope to make a positive impact on the town and create more opportunities for the community. -Alix Gettis, Youth Council Member
ANNUAL TURKEY AND FOOD DRIVE SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7TH, 2026 10 AM-12 PM SEVERANCE TOWN HALL, 3 S. TIMBER RIDGE PARKWAY ACCEPTING CANNED FOOD, & NON-PERISHABLE ITEMS STARTING OCTOBER 27TH AT SELECT LOCATIONS*
SCAN QR CODE TO DONATE ONLINE
ALL DONATIONS BENEFIT:
PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT TOWNOFSEVERANCE.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION
$1 = $6 WORTH OF GROCERIES 1 in 4 people in Weld County are hungry, 1 in 3 children in Weld County are hungry, which equates to over 88,000 of our neighbors. Help us, help our neighbors this holiday season.
HOLIDAY
TOY DRIVE NOVEMBER 15- DECEMBER 15
PLEASE BRING UNOPENED TOYS FOR ALL AGES TO THE SEVERANCE POLICE DEPARTMENT
YOU’RE INVITED!
UCHealth Sport Court Ribbon Cutting
Join us to celebrate the grand opening of the UCHealth Sport Court, learn how to use the equipment and celebrate recreation in Severance DECEMBER 12TH 1:30PM Severance Community Park
WHAT IS A
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN? Every community faces important questions about growth, investment, and quality of life. The Comprehensive Plan serves as Severance's longterm roadmap for addressing those questions and guiding future decisions. The Plan is a living document that is reviewed regularly to ensure it reflects community needs and priorities. Due to the significant growth and changing trends in our region over the past five years, now is a great time to refresh the Plan. Through a multi-month process, the project team analyzes data and collects input from residents, businesses, community partners, and local leaders to help shape our goals, strategies, and action items.
Come visit with us at Town Christmas on December 12th or, attend one of our meetings on the 1st Wednesday of every month
2026 2026 PHOTO PHOTO CONTEST CONTEST We want to see Severance from YOUR point of view! Our annual photo contest is accepting photos from our community. Whether it's a beautiful Colorado sunset, local wildlife, community events, parks, small-town charm, or your favorite spot around Town, we want to see the moments that make Severance special. Photos may be features in Town publications, on our website, social media, and other promotional materials throughout the year (with photo credit, of course) Get your camera ready and start submitting your photos by Nov 25th on our website at https://www.townofseverance.org /397/Photo-Contest
2025 WINNER
2025 WINNER
2025 WINNER
DID YOU KNOW...
THERE IS A SEVERANCE YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM? Windsor Parks, Recreation & Culture has established a scholarship program that offers financial assistance for youth athletic/program registrations to residents of Severance under 18 years.
Please contact the Windsor Community Recreation Center to obtain an application, or you can fill one out online at recreationliveshere.com/ReduceFee. Your request will be confidentially reviewed and approved based on financial qualifications. SIGN UP FOR ACTIVITIES ANYTIME ONLINE AT recreationliveshere.com/RecReg
PLANNING NEW CONSTRUCTION, A RENOVATION OR BIG CLEAN UP?
HAVE QUESTIONS? CONTACT THE PLANNING OFFICE AT 970686-1218 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT TOWNOFSEVERANCE.ORG
Weld County
CodeRED by Crisis24
Be informed. Be prepared.
What is CodeRED by Crisis24?
CodeREDby Crisis24 allows publicsafety officials to send targeted alerts to registered users through phone calls, text messages, emails, and mobile app notifications. Crisis24 represents that its new CodeRED is reliable and protects data security. Notifications may include evacuation notices, public safety incidents, and other time-sensitive information. People may also opt in to receive severe weather alerts
Register today!
To sign up, visit the CodeRED by Crisis24 sign-up webpage and click “register.” Users will enter their name, create a username and password, and select a preferred contact method such as text or email. While previous CodeRED user information has been migrated into the updated system, Weld County recommends creating a new account. A new account allows users to easily update contact information and access alerts through the CodeRED mobile app, available in the Google Play and Apple app stores.
www.weld911alert.com
BUSINESS CORNER Business License Renewals — Mark Your Calendar Attention Severance business owners: annual business licenses expire December 31. The Town will begin accepting renewal applications starting November 15 — submit early to avoid any lapse in your license! Renewals open: November 15 Licenses expire: December 31 Applications can be found online Submit early to stay ahead of the deadline There is a $25 administrative fee
Start, Grow, and Succeed In Colorado From Napkin Sketch To Market Leader, Get The Expert Guidance You Need—At No Cost To You. One-on-one confidential advising No- to low-cost programs & events Community & resources
S. 4505: Unique ZIP Codes for 83 Communities
A bipartisan bill introduced by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) with nine cosponsors from both parties. It directs the U.S. Postal Service to designate a single, unique ZIP Code for each named community, ending mail delays and misdirected delivery. THE BILL: TEXT OF S. 4505
BIPARTISAN MOMENTUM
“A bill to require the United States Postal Service to designate ZIP Codes for certain communities.”
278– 121 Voice
H.R. 3095, a ZIP code bill covering 68 cities and communities, passed the House on July 21, 2025
10–3
S. 4505 reported by Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs on Aug. 6, 2026
SECTION 1. “Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the United States Postal Service shall designate a single, unique ZIP Code for each of the following communities:” Introduced May 12, 2026. Reported Aug. 6, 2026 with the Ernst substitute amendment. Cosponsors: Sens. Padilla, Bennet, Blumenthal, Durbin and Shaheen (D); Barrasso, Scott (FL), Moreno and Lankford (R).
All 83 communities in 23 states are listed below.
H.R. 672, a ZIP code bill covering 8 cities and communities, passed the House by voice vote on July 21, 2025
Yea votes in committee came from both parties
THE COST: CBO SCORE (2025)
WHAT IT MEANS AT HOME
July 2025 estimate for H.R. ~$7,500 CBO’s 3095, the House-passed bill, found the
12,000
per ZIP code Postal Service’s cost would rise by less
than $500,000 to change 66 ZIP codes, about $7,500 each. CBO found no effect on revenues
Source: CBO, legislation considered under suspension, week of July 21, 2025
ANTICIPATED OBJECTIONS, ANSWERED
Severance, Colorado, is home to over 12,000 residents but is divided among six ZIP codes. Our designated ZIP code, 80546, serves only a few blocks and post office boxes, leaving most residents with neighboring communities’ ZIP codes. This causes delivery issues, emergency response confusion, and lost sales tax revenue of an unknown amount. A single, town-wide ZIP code would improve public safety, delivery accuracy, and tax collection. Severance is one of 15 Colorado communities identified in S. 4505 facing similar challenges.
“This will burden the Postal Service with cost.”
“This undermines the ZIP Code system.”
Not so. CBO estimates the House-passed bill (H.R. 3095) would raise Postal Service costs by less than $500,000 to change 66 ZIP codes, about $7,500 each. That’s under 0.001% of USPS’s $89B budget. The bill appropriates nothing and gives USPS one full year to implement.
Not so. Congress has done this before: Section 1009 of the 2006 Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act mandated unique ZIP Codes for Auburn, OH; Hanahan, SC; Bradbury, CA; and Discovery Bay, CA. This bill is just as narrow, covering only named communities.
THE 83 COMMUNITIES NAMED IN S. 4505
CA Canyon Lake, Eastvale, Hidden Hills, Industry, Irwindale, North Tustin, Rossmoor, San Pablo, Tehachapi, Torrance. CO Castle Pines, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Frederick, Greenwood Village, Highlands Ranch, Keystone, Lone Tree, Mountain Village, Mt. Crested Butte, Severance, Silver Cliff, Sterling Ranch, Superior, Telluride. CT Scotland. FL Coconut Creek, Cooper City, Deerfield Beach, Fort Myers, Lighthouse Point, Miami Lakes, Oakland Park, Ocoee, Parkland, Village of Estero, Wilton Manors. IL Burr Ridge. IN Carmel, Noblesville, Lawrence, Westfield, Zionsville. IA Urbandale. KY Camargo. LA Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Montz. MN Springwater Township, Quartzite Township. NV Grass Valley. NH Swanzey. NJ Kinnelon. NY Flanders, Glendale, Pendleton, Riverside, Wheatfield. NC Weddington. OH Green. OK Hochatown, North Enid. SC Goose Creek, Mauldin. TX Fairview, Fate, Heath, Josephine, Murphy, Northlake, Parker, Sargent. UT Highland City. VA Fairlawn. WI Caledonia, Franklin, Glendale, Greenfield, Rochester, Village of Harrison, Village of Mount Pleasant, Village of Somers. WY Mills, Star Valley Ranch. OUR GOAL
Let’s get behind these communities across the country whose safety and economic growth are being held back by an outdated ZIP Code. National ZIP Code Advocacy Coalition | national-zip-code-advocacy-coalition.streamlit.app
Alexander P. Fung, MPP, Deputy City Manager, City of Eastvale, CA afung@eastvaleca.gov | 951.703.4415
Michael Penny, MPA, ICMA Credentialed Manager, City Manager, City of Castle Pines, CO michael.penny@castlepinesco.gov | 303.705.0206
KNOW YOUR TOWN: SEVERANCE How well do you know Severance? Complete the 23 Across and Down clues! 1 3 5
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3. Documentestablishing the Town·s local
1. Last name of Severance·s mayor
self-government powers 8. Quality Severance
2. Trail that runs through Severance
strives to preserve as it grows
4. State Severance calls home
11. Town group that gives young residents a
5. Department responsible for streets, snow
voice in local government
removal, and infrastructure maintenance
14. Two-word phrase celebrating pride in our
6. Public meetings where elected Town
community
decisions are discussed 7. Principle of open,
16. Document setting long-term priorities and
accessible government
direction
9. Elected group that governs the Town
18. Appointed body that reviews land-use and 10. Park named after a former Severance development proposals
mayor
20. Taking responsibility for decisions and
12. Building associated with municipal
actions
administration
21. Property tax rate expressed in mills
13. Town official responsible for records,
22. Department responsible for local law
elections, and meeting documentation
enforcement
15. County where Severance is located
23. Severance·s oldest park
17. Severance·s largest park 19. Three-letter abbreviation for the Citizens Advisory Board
Thank you for coming to the trick-or-treat parade!
JOIN US AT A TOWN MEETING! TOWN COUNCIL MEETING EVERY 2ND & 4TH TUESDAY Work Session at 5 PM & Council Meeting at 6 PM YOUTH COUNCIL MEETING FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH at 5 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!