2026
OFFICIAL TOWN OF SEVERANCE NEWSLETTER
SEPTEMBER
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
COUNCIL MEMBER APPOINTMENT Join us in welcoming our newest Council Member, Kyle Russell! “I have called Severance home for the past six years. My wife and I moved to the community with our oldest daughter and have since welcomed four more children, making us a busy family of seven. My family is at the center of just about everything I do, and raising our children in Severance has given me a strong appreciation for this community and its future. My wife and I are both small-business owners. She operates a homebased pet-grooming business here in Severance, while I own and operate several restaurants throughout Northern Colorado. I have also served as President of the Hunter’s Overlook Metropolitan District No. 5 Board since 2023. Outside of work and public service, I spend most of my time with my wife and kids. As a father, business owner, and resident, I care deeply about the kind of community we are building for our families and future generations. That is a big part of what led me to become more involved in serving Severance. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on Town Council and look forward to listening to residents, learning from my fellow councilmembers and Town staff, and doing my part to help keep Severance a great place to live, raise a family, and call home.”
Brittany Vandermark Mayor Pro-Tem
Community is Built by Getting I encourage you to stay engaged Involved —attend a meeting, volunteer for One of my favorite things about a community event, support a serving on Town Council is local business, or simply seeing the many ways our introduce yourself to a new community comes together. neighbor. Small actions have a Whether it's families enjoying big impact. the Farmer's Market, kids playing in our parks, neighbors Thank you for allowing me to attending Movies in the Park, or serve our community. I look residents taking the time to forward to continuing to listen, attend a Council or board learn, and work alongside all of meeting, every person who gets you to help make Severance an involved helps make Severance even better place to live. a stronger community. — Brittany Vandermark As our town continues to grow, Mayor Pro Tem it's more important than ever that we continue to hear from the people who call Severance home. Your ideas, questions, and feedback help shape the decisions we make and ensure we're planning for the future while preserving the small-town feel that makes Severance special.
Josh Ochs Council Member
The council was not voting on implementing cameras, and there were no behind the scenes discussions to push something through. I believe the council genuinely wanted to hear from the public and understand where our community stood. That is how a responsible and effective Town Council should operate. Listen to the people, have the discussion, and make After hearing from our community, decisions with the community, I am comfortable saying that ALPR not around the community. is not the right choice for With that, here are a few Severance at this time. There are updates and things happening still too many questions that need around Severance. I heard you! It was NO FLOCKING WAY! Thank you to everyone who came out to our recent town hall, and to those who reached out to me with questions, concerns, and feedback. This is exactly what I want to see when a major issue is being considered. Information, engagement, discussion, and ultimately, direction from the people we represent.
to be answered. We need more information, stronger regulations, clear guidelines on data retention, and other safeguards before something like this could be considered. I do want to clarify one thing. My concern was with some of the misinformation that was circulating, particularly online.
Welcome back to a new school year! Please keep an extra eye out while driving, with our kids back out on the roads, sidewalks, and neighborhoods. We will have a Town Projects & Budget Town Hall on October 13th at 5:00 PM.
I want you all to come out and see where our projects are taking us and what our budget looks like for 2027. Town Council meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month. I encourage you to come out, ask questions, listen in, and see what is happening in your town. Your involvement matters. Be safe out there, Severance. Look out for your neighbors, stay involved, and let's continue working together to keep this a great community. In closing, I'll leave you with a quote that I think suits our community well. “To make a small town achieve its potential, you need everybody.” — Unita Blackwell Take care, Severance! Josh Ochs Severance Town Council
SEPTEMBER IS SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH
At the Town Council Meeting on August 25th, Mayor Matthew Fries signed a proclamation for Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. The proclamation calls upon residents to work together to strengthen connections, foster hope, support mental well-being, and promote suicide prevention efforts throughout our community. Accepting the proclamation is a representative from North Range Behavior Health
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
Citizen of the Year: The individual who best exemplifies the citizen/mentor of the year is one who sustainably and regularly contributes to the community through TOWN PRIDE. This individual should not work in an official capacity with or for the Town. Nomination exclusions include Town employees and Town Council/board members. Youth of the Year: This young individual (18 & under) who best exemplifies the Youth of the Year is active in and contributes to the community by carrying out TOWN PRIDE in and for the community Business of the Year: The business that best exemplifies the business of the year contributes to the community through its dedication to residents and visitors. This business goes above and beyond through activities that align with TOWN PRIDE in and for the community. TOWN PRIDE stands for the following values: Teamwork, Open-minded, Welcoming, Neighborly, Professionalism, Respect, Innovation, Dedication, and Ethics
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 on our website at https://www.townofseverance.org /397/Photo-Contest
2025 WINNER
2025 WINNER
2025 WINNER
UPCOMING UPCOMING EVENTS EVENTS SEPTEMBER 2026 SEPT 3 MUNICIPAL COURT SEPT 7 ALL FACILITIES CLOSED SEPT 8 TOWN COUNCIL MEETING SEPT 16 PLANNING COMMISSION SEPT 18 RUN SEVERANCE/WINDSOR GLOW RUN SEPT 19 BUBBLE BLAST FOR AMERICA SEPT 22 TOWN COUNCIL WORK SESSION
OCTOBER 2026 OCT 1 SEVERANCE MUNICIPAL COURT OCT 3 NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERT @ OVERLOOK OCT 5 YOUTH COUNCIL MEETING OCT 7 CITIZEN ADVISORY BOARD OCT 13 2027 TOWN PROJECTS AND BUDGET TOWN HALL OCT 17 TREE TRIM DROP OFF OCT 21 PLANNING COMMISSIONS OCT 26-NOV7 SEVERANCE FOOD DRIVE OCT 27 TOWN COUNCIL MEETING OCT 30 TRICK OR TREAT PARADE
CELEBRATE CONSTITUTION WEEK WITH A
BUBBLE PARTY BUBBLE PARTY SEPTEMBER 19TH BLUE SPRUCE PARK 9AM-12PM
SAVE THE DATE!
JOIN US FOR A
NEIGHBORHOOD
CO C ON NC CE ER RT T
LIVE MUSIC * FOOD * COMMUNITY
SATURDAY
OCTOBER 3RD
OVERLOOK PARK SEVERANCE, CO
Aubrey Dale & Eli Rey
B.Y.O.B B.Y.O.B
BRING YOUR OWN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES! BEER, WINE & SELTEZER ONLY. NO GLASS ALLOWED IN THE PARKS
FIND MORE INFORMATION ON TOWNOFSEVERANCE.ORG
COMMUNITY
TREE CLEAN UP
ntt en evve e
MUST BE A SEVERANCE RESIDENT
Drop off your tree trimmings and we’ll chip them into mulch that will be available to pick up for free at a later date!
OCT. 17
8AM-12PM
BEHIND COMMUNITY PARK
GUIDELINES
Wood must be Branches should Residents are no more than 6 be at least 3ft expected to inches in long unload their diameter own materials NO TWINE, WIRE, OR ROPE. BRANCHES/TREE WOOD ONLY
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SEE A MAP FOR THE LOCATION VISIT TOWNOFSEVERANCE.ORG
TRICK or or
TREAT PARADE
Bring a non-perishable food item to the Trick or Treat Parade! Donations benefit our neighbors through the Weld County Food Bank.
SAFE TRICK OR TREATING & ACTIVITIES
Friday, October 30th, 2026 Severance Town Hall & Library 3-5pm More information at townofseverance.org
CODE COMPLIANCE AT-A-GLANCE REPORT ONLINE AT TOWNOFSEVERANCE.ORG OR CALL 970-908-5261 EIGHT INCHES MAX ON WEEDS AND GRASSES Grasses and weeds must be kept at a height of 8'’ or less in yards and alleys and 9'’ or less in fields and undeveloped lots in Town of Severance. RUBBISH IN OUTDOOR SPACES Properties must be maintained in a neat, tidy and methodical manner. The accumulation of rubbish is not permitted. Rubbish includes but is not limited to items discarded or unusable or susceptible to weather as well as branched, yard waste, tires and appliances. Outdoor storage includes items not normally stored outdoors in a residential area. GRAFFITI It shall be unlawful for a person to place any graffiti upon any public or private property. INOPERABLE VEHICLES NOT ALLOWED An inoperable motor vehicle is any vehicle not displaying a current license plate and validation sticker, or is not operational due to flat tires, missing parts or damage. Inoperable vehicles may be stores on your property as long as they are screened from view. Car covers are not sufficient for screening day.
TRASH & OUTDOOR STORAGE Accumulation of trash, junk, and rubbish is prohibited. For example, vehicle parts, tires, scrap lumber, construction materials, appliances, leaves and branches. SIGNAGE A sign permit is required for most permanent and temporary signs unless the sign is specifically exempt under Town Code. Applications must be submitted in writing and reviewed by Town Staff to ensure the sign meets safety, building, and design standards. The Town may remove illegal signs, and businesses that close must remove their signs within 90 days. Anyone who installs a temporary sign without the required permit may lose the ability to obtain another temporary sign permit for the rest of the year. LITTERING It is unlawful for any person to throw or deposit or cause or permit to be thrown or deposited upon any street, alley, sidewalk, or public property or place in the Town, any garbage, trash, litter or junk, or hazardous material, or other offensive matter.
Each one of these codes and ordinances was adopted to maintain the high quality of life we appreciate in Severance. Please take time to read and understand the codes, and know how to report a violation.
*Severance Code Compliance does not respond to, or cite, for HOA/Metro District concerns, violations, or issues.
PLANNING NEW CONSTRUCTION, A RENOVATION OR BIG CLEAN UP?
HAVE QUESTIONS? CONTACT THE CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICE AT 970-908-5261 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT TOWNOFSEVERANCE.ORG
SEVERANCE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Mayor Matt Fries and Chief Ken Chavez formally recognized Sgt. Walter "Cooper" Arvisais with a Life Saving Award. On July 27th, a call came in to dispatch of a 2-year-old child unconscious and not breathing at a home in Severance. Sgt. Arvisais, along with Officers Doug Kline and Michael Mallory responded lights and siren to the home. Sgt. Arvisais was the first to arrive and immediately rushed into the home where he found the child unconscious and unresponsive in the backyard. Sgt. Arvisais immediately started infant CPR procedures and carried the child to the front yard in anticipation of the ambulance's arrival. Sgt. Arvisais CPR efforts were successful in reviving the child to the point he was able to start breathing on his own. The child was immediately transported to Children's Hospital North by ambulance where he was able to make a complete recovery. Prior to working for the Severance Police Department, Sgt. Arvisais served for 10 years with the Longmont Police Department. Prior to that, he worked as a Flight Paramedic with Flight for Life Colorado for 4 ½ years. Before this, he served as a Paramedic for twelve years. Sgt. Arvisais' immediate response to the home and critical CPR skills revived this child and prevented a tragedy from occurring in Severance. He was the right person, at the right place, at the right time. Sgt. Arvisais' actions are indicative of the highest traditions of the Severance Police Department and the Town of Severance
A GUIDE TO EASY E-RIDING E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular, and we want to help ensure everyone rides safely and responsibly. According to Colorado law, EMotorcycles are classified as OffHighway Vehicles (OHVs) and are not permitted on public roadways, sidewalks, or trails. If you ride an e-motorcycle, always do so in approved areas and wear proper safety gear, including a helmet, to help prevent serious injury. Ride smart. Ride safe. Protect yourself and others.
SAFETY CHECK! I am wearing a properly fitted helmet My brakes work correctly I am wearing bright or reflective clothing I ride on the right side of the road, sidewalk or trail I stop and look left, right, and left again before crossing streets I dismount from my bike before crossing big intersetions My bike has reflectors I watch for cars backing out of driveways
Device Quick Reference
eBike (Class eBike (Class III) Electric I/II) assist; Electric higher assist; speeds. lower speeds
eMoto Electric Motor + Battery (no pedals)
Electric Electric Skateboard Scooter Motorized Electric; stand on
The Town Council is currently reviewing a proposed Ordinance on E-Bike regulations. Please visit our website for more information.
NEIGHBORS LOOKING OUT FOR NEIGHBORS A SAFER COMMUNITY
starts with connected neighbors. As the Town of Severance continues to grow, one of our shared priorities is preserving the safe, connected, and welcoming community that makes our town such a special place to live. To support that goal, we are reaching out to gauge interest in establishing Neighborhood Watch programs within our neighborhoods.
WHAT IS NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH? Neighborhood Watch is a community-led program that encourages neighbors to work together to help keep their neighborhoods safe. It is not intended to replace law enforcement. Instead, it helps residents:
Stay aware of what is happening in your neighborhood
Recognize and report suspicious activity
Learn crime prevention and communicate with one another
Build stronger relationships with the Severance Police Department
ready to get your neighborhood involved? If your HOA or neighborhood would like to learn more or schedule a Neighborhood Watch presentation, contact the Town of Severance.
LET’S BUILD A SAFER, MORE CONNECTED SEVERANCE, TOGETHER If your neighborhood is interested, the Town would be happy to coordinate with the Severance Police Department to have a public safety representative attend one of your future HOA or community meetings.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN THE BASICS. What a Neighborhood Watch Program is GETTING STARTED. Best practices for starting/maintaining a program STAYING SAFE. Crime prevention and personal safety tips PARTNERING WITH POLICE. How to partner with local police COMMUNITY RESOURCES. Resources to support safety efforts
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD YOUR APPROACH Every neighborhood is different. Your community can decide whether Neighborhood Watch is right for you and, if so, how you want to organize and lead the effort
The Town’s role is to support- not take over
we can provide: Guidance Resources Connections with public safety Support for neighborhood-led efforts
let’s work together to keep severance safe CONTACT US 970-686-1218 If you see suspicious activity, call nonemergency dispatch at 970-350-9600
info@townofseverance.org 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
Get Connected When You Need it Most Blood Donor
First Aid
Emergency
Swim
Pet First Aid
Hero Care
Child Care
FREE Red Cross mobile apps have vital tools and resources to prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters — big and small. Plus, there’s support for our military/veteran communities, important child care information and scheduling for life-saving blood donations. Go to redcross.org/apps, text ‘APPS’ to 90999 or search ‘American Red Cross’ in your app store.
Select apps also available in Español!
325501-34 2/25
The American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis. Blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low. All blood types are needed, but the situation is especially dire for type O blood. Donors are needed immediately to help save lives.
Make an appointment to give blood now! Visit RedCrossBlood.org. Download the Blood Donor App. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Two more ways you can help restock the shelves: Bring a friend to donate with you.
Spread the word about the needin your community.
SUPPORT LOCAL
TO SUBMIT AN AD IN OUR NEWSLETTER, EMAIL INFO@TOWNOFSEVERANCE.ORG
CONNECT WITH US HOW YOU CAN REACH US VIA PHONE Call Town Hall at 970-686-1218 Call Severance Police Station 970-685-9708 Non-emergency Dispatch 970-350-9600 VIA EMAIL Email: info@townofseverance.org WEBSITE townofseverance.org
FOLLOW US on social media! @TownOfSeverance / @SeverancePD @TownOfSeverance @SeverancePD Town of Severance Town of Severance
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Harmony Rd.
PARK AMENITY KEY PLAYGROUND PICNIC AREA RESTROOMS SPORTS FIELDS WATER FILLING STATION
Your paragraph text CR 72
SEVERANCE PARKS
LEARN MORE AT TOWNOFSEVERANCE.ORG
SUMMIT VIEW PARK 96 Evans St.
LAKEVIEW PARK 513 1/2 Broadview Drive
BLUE SPRUCE PARK 103-105 Blue Spruce Dr.
SKATE PARK 599 1st St
KAREN SUMAN PARK 1108 Pinon Pine Drive BROWNELL PARK 336 1st St.
CR 23
ACCESSIBLE
DOG PARK 599 1st St
COMMUNITY PARK 100 Waterfowl Way