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. ALL THE NEWS YOU NEED AND MORE
E X T R A ! E X T R A ! READ ALL ABOUT IT!
Josh Ochs Council Member
Matt Fries Mayor
Dave Bruen Council Member
Brittany Vandermark Mayor Pro-Tem
Karen Hessler Council Member
Stephen Gagliardi Council Member
Craig Joseph Council Member
Do you ever wonder what makes local government work?
One big reason, in my opinion, is citizens who step forward to serve on our Town’s Boards and Commissions.
Severance is very fortunate to have great volunteers who wish to serve their neighbors. These citizens, appointed by the Town Council, serve our community through a variety of Boards and Commissions
Development review, due process public hearings, review of the town’s parks, corridor plans, water plans, grant requests, council member petitions, youth activities and needs, just to name a few.
Boards and Commissions are the eyes and ears of the residents and the Town Council. These groups of volunteers meet regularly–usually at least once per month- to provide input and assure accountability and transparency of our town’s government. They work hand in hand with our town staff (which also deserves recognition and kudos, but I will save that for another newsletter issue) to ensure that the town charter and our ordinances are properly adhered to. Without these Severance Super Heros, Severance could not and would not be the great place it is to live, work and play, that it is.
I would like to THANK each current member who serves us and all those who have served in the past.
Here are your current Town of Severance Board and Commission Members:
Planning Commission:
Kris Quandt, Chair
Joe Pirrone, Vice-Chair
David Rau, Commissioner
Jennifer Shaw, Commissioner
Jennifer Roe, Commissioner
Russ Liberty, Commissioner
Citizen Advisory Board:
Josh Green, Chair
Chase Zajc, Vice-Chair
Dale Garland, Member
Felicia Jarrett, Member
Marissa Riopelle, Member
Richard Vandenberg, Member
Stephen Olt, Member
SarahMae Williams, Alternate member
Youth Council:
Chair: Torry Rowell
Vice-Chair: Mackenzie Williams
Treasurer: Kai Sapinoro
Vice-Treasurer: Charlie Vandermark
Secretary: Summer Flores
Vice-Secretary: Kollyns Kelly
Members: Soren Simpson, Sophia
Farrington-Valdivia, Sophia Cabazos
Alternate Members: Noah Abram and Alix Getitis
These great people simply take the time regularly to help all of us live in a better community. These are our friends and neighbors Please Thank them the next time you see them, or send them a quick note; they deserve it!
Thank you, Board and Commission members, for all that you do!
Matthew Fries Mayor
Brittany Vandermark
As we welcome spring, it’s great to see our community getting outside and enjoying the warmer weather. From time spent in our parks to neighborhood gatherings, this season is a reminder of what makes Severance such a special place to live.
I also want to recognize the work of our Severance Teen Council, who are currently planning a teen event for May to create a fun and safe opportunity for local teens to connect. It’s always encouraging to see young people getting involved and helping shape our community.
Wishing everyone a wonderful spring season!
Brittany Vandermark Mayor Pro Tem, Town of Severance
(Severance Youth Council)
Josh Ochs
Greetings, Severance!
I hope this newsletter finds you healthy and well. There is something truly special about living in Severance. You see it in the wave from a neighbor, the strong turnout at community events, and the shared belief that this town is worth investing in.
As we move forward, let us continue to approach both opportunities and challenges with optimism and unity. Through thoughtful planning and engaged residents, we can preserve what makes Severance unique while responsibly embracing the growth ahead. I encourage you to attend a Town Council meeting and stay involved in the conversations shaping our community’s future. Community pride is powerful and it is something we should never take for granted.
As Henry Ford once said, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”
Thank you for being part of what makes Severance exceptional.
Josh Ochs Town Council Member
All businesses are required to renew their business licenses annually. You can find the application online on our website at townofseverance.org. 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.
Solicitors must have a copy of their approved permit with them at all times. Sec. 6-1-150. - Solicitors, canvassers, door-todoor salespersons These licenses are renewed annually.
If someone who is not approved comes to your house, please call the Severance Police Dept. at 970-350-9600
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
own of Severance Town Hall Building his convenient service is part of our ommitment to supporting our residents by ffering accessible and reliable resources ithin the community.
ow to Access:
Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID Ensure your documents are complete and ready for notarization (do not sign them in advance).
Stop by during our designated service hours—no appointment is necessary! lease note: This service is available to everance residents only.
We’re here to serve you, Severance!
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
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As we spring forward this March with Daylight Saving Time, the extra daylight brings more than longer evenings; it brings neighbors back outside, kids playing in yards, walks through our neighborhoods, and renewed community connection. It’s also the perfect time to pause and remember what truly keeps Severance safe: neighbors looking out for neighbors. Severance is a community where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered to act simply by caring for one another.
Crime prevention doesn’t begin with sirens or reports it begins with awareness and everyday kindness. You are the eyes and ears of our community. When residents stay alert and engaged, we help prevent problems before they happen and create neighborhoods where everyone feels welcome and protected. This spring, take a few extra moments to: Notice unfamiliar activity in your neighborhood
Check on a neighbor who may be traveling or away
Let someone know if their garage door is open
Pick up a package or move trash bins for a neighbor
Turn on exterior lights as evenings remain active
These small gestures send a powerful message that we care for one another here in Severance.
Our “See Something, Say Something” mindset isn’t about suspicion; it’s about community responsibility. If something seems out of place, trust your instincts and report concerns. Often, prevention comes from simple awareness:
• A car door was left unlocked
• Gates left open
• Lights off while someone is away
• Deliveries sitting unattended
Being neighborly in Severance means stepping in with kindness and attentiveness. A quick text, knock on the door, or friendly check-in can prevent theft, damage, or worry.
Along with changing your clocks, consider making safety part of your seasonal routine:
Lock vehicles overnight
Secure garages and backyard access
Check outdoor lighting and cameras
Refresh emergency contacts
Introduce yourself to a new neighbor
A safe town starts with simple habits: please lock up and look out for each other.
We love our town because we trust our neighbors. But trust doesn’t mean being careless; it means working together to protect our homes, families, and community. In Severance, safety is personal. It’s waving hello, lending a hand, and staying aware together. This spring, don’t just set your clock forward, step forward for your neighbors. Because we don’t want you to just be safe We want you to be Severance Safe.
Phase 5 of the Community Park has been fully funded by the Town Council and will include additional restrooms, two shade shelters, two additional multi-use fields, field lighting, a second playground, a fitness court, four pickleball courts, horseshoes, Bocce ball, and more. Construction has begun for this project and is expected to be completed in early Fall.
Lakeview Park will receive a complete playground upgrade, including the replacement of all play structures, swings, and rubberized surfacing.
This northern portion of the Great Western Trail from E. Harmony to WCR 23, within the Town limits, is scheduled to be paved with concrete, will include glow stones, and have pedestrian-actuated crossings on E. Harmony and WCR 23. This is fully grant-funded, with design and engineering completed, and construction is slated to start in early spring.
The intersection of E. Harmony and Poderosa Dr. is very busy and difficult, if not impossible, for buses and pedestrians to cross during peak hours of traffic. A signal warrant analysis was conducted, and it was determined that a traffic signal for safe routes to school is warranted.
As mandated by the State of Colorado, the bridge that is west of Hilltop Circle on Weld County Road 80 needs to be repaired. The project is partially grant-funded, and the design is nearly completed.
The intersection of WCR23 and E. Harmony is one of the busiest in town and will need to undergo a signal warrant analysis due to anticipated construction in 2026. This project is expected to include the installation of a new traffic light, removal of the intersection "bumpouts", and milling and overlay within the bounds of the project.
This water project will bring redundancy to our water system by completing a southern waterline loop connecting The Overlook to the Tailholt Subdivision. In addition, this project will provide domestic water service to the installed concession stand and new restrooms at the Community Park. The project will complete the system loop, improve overall system pressure, and eliminate dead ends that prevent continued service during waterline breaks. This project will take place while the Community Park is also closed for construction, to minimize disruption to the area.
This capital project would replace the last remaining aged waterline in the downtown area and then mill and overlay the asphalt within the project's bounds on WCR 23 from E. Harmony north to WCR 76 1/2. The project may be partially grant-funded, and the design has started.
This project enhances connectivity throughout town and aligns with the Town Council's goals. Multiple identified locations where sidewalks will be installed in town as this project gets underway.
The Planning Department continues to review several development applications across Town. Below is a summary of projects currently under review Several of these projects will move forward to public hearings before the Planning Commission and Town Council.
· Northgate Lake (Final Plat): 315 acres north of Harmony Road and east of CR 21, proposing 600 single-family homes with future mixed uses and open space.
· WinDance (Preliminary Plat): 168 acres north of Highway 392, proposing approximately 569 single-family homes and 34 acres of open space.
· Platte Valley Veterinary Clinic (Site Plan): Proposed two-story, 7,856-sq-ft clinic at 335 W. 4th Ave.
· Saddle Ridge Tracts 9 & 10 (Final Plat): 11 acres north of SH 14, proposing paired homes and single-family lots.
· Schlagel Minor Subdivision: Four rural residential lots west of CR 21.
· Saddler Southern (Preliminary Plat): 46 acres proposing single-family homes and commercial space.
· Berrado Holdings (Minor Subdivision): 20acre lot for an existing PRPA electrical substation.
· Bower North (Preliminary Plat): 160 acres south of Hunters Crossing and west of CR 21, proposing 31 large residential lots, 278 single family, 5 acre commercial area and open space.
Town Staff visited the Black Hollow Solar Facility located in the northern outskirts of Severance to see firsthand the construction and coordination of the facility.
The Town of Severance is excited to move forward with the next phase of improvements at Community Park, a significant investment in recreation, connectivity, and quality of life for our residents.
Community Park will be temporarily closed during the next phase of construction
Construction activities will include significant site work and infrastructure improvements that require full closure to ensure public safety.
Park Closure: The park will be closed when construction begins, scheduled for the beginning of February. Construction is anticipated to last until Fall 2026. With this closure, Severance Days will be in October.
Purpose: Delivery of the next phase of this large, long-term community project designed to enhance amenities, usability, and overall park experience
We recognize that Community Park is a valued gathering space, and we appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we complete this important work. The result will be a park that better serves residents for generations to come.
Updates will be shared regularly on the Town website and social media channels as construction progresses. Thank you for your continued support as we build community in Severance.
The Town of Severance is committed to providing excellent service and staying connected with our community. If you have a concern, request, or feedback to share, we want to hear from you.
Residents can use our “We’re Listening” online service request system to report concerns such as street repairs, street light outages, code enforcement issues, or to provide general feedback about Town services, facilities, or programs This tool helps ensure your request is directed to the appropriate department and addressed as efficiently as possible.
Submitting a request is simple. Visit townofseverance.org and click the “We’re Listening” tab on our website. Provide details about your concern, including the location and a description of the issue, to help staff respond quickly and effectively.
Your input plays an important role in helping us maintain our infrastructure, improve services, and enhance the quality of life in Severance. Thank you for partnering with us to keep our community safe, responsive, and thriving. You can always call Town Hall, 970-6861218, or email info@townofseverance.org, also if you would like to connect.
APRIL 24- Arbor Day
APRIL 25- Drug Take Back/ Free Paper Shred / Free Mulch
MAY 1- Clean Up Days Voucher Available for Pickup
MAY 9- Teen Field Day
MAY 16- Kids Fishing Derby
MAY 22-Touch a Truck
JUNE 26- Movie Night
JULY 11- Safety Fair
AUGUST 5- National Night Out
AUGUST 21- Movie Night
SEPTEMBER 17-23- Constitution Week
OCTOBER- Severance Days
OCTOBER 7- Coffee with a Cop
OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 7- Food Drive
OCTOBER 30- Trick or Treat Parade
OCT/NOV- Tree and Limb Drop Off
NOVEMBER 7- Food Drive Drop Off Last Day
DECEMBER 12- Town Christmas
AFTER CHRISTMAS- Christmas Tree Drop Off
Vendor Booth Applications are available for select events! The application can be found on our website at townofseverance.org
**Dates of events are subject to change
APRIL 25, 2026
10AM-12PM
*THE FREE MULCH WILL BE AVAILABLE AT LAKEVIEW PARK STARTING AT 7 AM, FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED*
There are 12 geese icons hidden throughout this newsletter (seen above). Identify them all and turn in your newsletter at Town Hall by the end of March! All entries will be entered into a giveaway of a future prize. Only one entry per household per published newsletter.
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING EVERY 2ND & 4TH TUESDAY
Works 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 in-person or online. More information about meetings can be found on our website. We look forward to seeing you!
M E S S A G E F R O M C H I E F C H A V E Z
It has been a very warm winter for us here in Severance, as has the rest of Colorado. As such, people have been outdoors more. A serious traffic safety issue we have been seeing in warm weather is an abundance of slow-moving vehicles on our residential roadways. Many of which are not legal to drive on town streets The main issues come from the following types of vehicles:
and truck drivers have difficulty seeing them on our streets.
Gas or electric powered dirt bikes - illegal to drive on roadways
Golf Carts - not allowed on Severance Streets but allowed in other communities like Windsor
UTVs and Sport UTVs such as Can-Am, Polaris, Honda, TrailMaster, etc. Illegal to drive on public road
Off-Highway Vehicles and ATVs - illegal to use on roadways
Toy Vehicles - gas powered or electric powered Mini-Bikes, "Pocket" Bikes, Kamikazi Boards, go-peds, and stand up scooters. Illegal to drive on roadways
We have received several complaints over the summer and now during this winter regarding children and young adults riding these types of vehicles on Severance streets Not only is it illegal, but it they are also very dangerous because these types of vehicles can move fast and are very low profile which means that car
We have been very lucky in that we have not encountered a traffic accident involving one of these types of vehicles and a car or truck. But we feel it is only a matter of time until we do. We did have a juvenile male crash on his electric-powered stand-up scooter on a town street this past Christmas Day. He suffered a head injury and was transported to the hospital.
Electric Assisted Bicycles, which have an electric motor that does not exceed seven hundred fifty watts of power and have fully operable pedals and have a top motorpowered speed of twenty miles per hour, are legal to drive on roadways. However, electricpowered motorcycles are not legal to drive on roadways Children or young adults driving these types of electric-powered motorcycles have been the primary complaints we have been receiving.
Our primary concern is the safety of all citizens, young and old, on our streets and county roads. As such, we will be strictly enforcing all current municipal and state traffic laws that pertain to individuals illegally driving these types of vehicles on our Severance streets.
So, let's all please be aware of the laws that pertain to these types of vehicles If you see them being driving on our streets, please call the non-emergency line at 970 350-9600 to report them to us so we can contact them to stop this unsafe practice. We don't want to see anyone seriously hurt because they were driving one of these types of vehicles on our streets.
Let's all be very safe on our Severance roadways.
Thanks,
Chief Ken Chavez
Do NOT purchase gift cards or Bitcoin to pay someone especially if they claim to be an officer or from the government. If you receive a call like this, it is a scam. No government agency will ask for gift cards or bitcoin.
Do NOT click links that are texted to your phone from unknown numbers. Scammers often use these links to steal personal or financial information. Never share personal information like Social Security numbers, banking details, passwords or personal photos with unexpected callers or people.
IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE BEEN SCAMMED AND YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK WITH AN OFFICER, PLEASE CALL NON-EMERGENCY DISPATCH AT 970-350-9600
M E S S A G E F R O M C H I E F
Our 2025 Annual Report has been published and is now available on our website at: https://www.wsfr.us/2025-annual-report-nowavailable.
One of the notable highlights from this year’s report is a 9.1% increase in calls for service in 2025 compared to 2024, reflecting the continued growth and service demands within our district. The report also provides updates on several key initiatives, special projects completed by Windsor Severance Fire Rescue, and the long-term strategic planning efforts underway to support our community
We have also recently completed the annual updates to the WSFR Staffing Needs Assessment and Resource Needs Assessment. These documents outline our long-term strategy to ensure that we continue to provide efficient, high-quality emergency response services as our community grows We encourage you to review these plans, which are available on our website at: https://www.wsfr.us/now-available-resourceand-staffing-needs-assessments.
Through this planning process, we have identified the need to add 27 additional firefighters and 6 administrative positions by
2035 to adequately support future service demands. Our long-term objective is to ensure that WSFR maintains staffing levels consistent with recognized national standards for fire and emergency services.
In addition to staffing, our long-range planning includes constructing a second fire station in the Town of Severance by 2035, proposed to be located near County Road 23 and Highway 392, as well as adding an additional response resource at Fire Station 1 by 2029. As part of this process, we are also evaluating potential funding models that will help ensure we can responsibly meet the current and growing needs of the community we serve.
Finally, we would like to remind everyone that our region is currently experiencing very dry winter conditions. Even a small spark or open flame can quickly ignite a brush fire with serious consequences. Please remain mindful of your surroundings, exercise caution with open flames, and help us keep our community safe during these dry conditions.
Chief Chris Angermuller
The Town of Severance & SAFEbuilt will recognize up to two (2) High School Seniors who live in Severance with a one-time scholarship of $1,000.00 The Town of Severance & SAFEbuilt will recognize up to two (2) High School Seniors who live in Severance with a one-time scholarship of $1,000.00
PLEASE VISIT THE TOWN OF SEVERANCE WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO FILL OUT THE APPLICATION OR SCAN BELOW
PLEASE VISIT THE TOWN OF SEVERANCE WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO FILL OUT THE APPLICATION OR SCAN BELOW
Fun Fact: All street signs within the Town of Severance feature a goose emblem! If you’re ever unsure whether you’re within Town limits, just take a look at the street sign. If you see the goose, you’re in Severance.
It’s a small detail that helps showcase the Town’s unique identity, with smalltown character and TOWN PRIDE.
*Not a Town sponsored event*
The Town of Severance recently celebrated its 106th birthday on March 8, and with over a century of history, we know there are many memories to share. If you have photos or memorabilia from Severance’s past, please email info@townofseverance.org or stop by Town Hall and we will take a picture of your items. Thank you, Ms. Marjorie Gomer, for sharing these photos with us!
Vouchers available starting May 1, 2026, ending July 31st
Location: Town Hall, 3 S. Timber Ridge Parkway
When is Pickup?: Monday–Friday: 8:00 am12:00 pm & 1:00 pm – 5:00 p.m. OR Tuesday evenings during Town Council Meetings
Voucher Expiration Date: July 31, 2026
MUST bring proof of residency when picking up the FREE voucher.
VOUCHER **
Due to the upcoming Community Park renovation and full park closure, the Town has transitioned to a FREE voucher-based cleanup program. Please find more information on our website townofseverance.org
Clean Up FREE Voucher Program Details
Limited number of vouchers available $125 value per voucher One voucher per household
First-come, first-served — while supplies last Residents will be responsible for any charges exceeding the voucher limits ($125), which must be paid at the time of disposal
North Weld Landfill 40000 W CR25 Ault, CO, 80610
There will be NO curb-side pickup in 2026
There will be NO on-site drop-off location
Clean-up services will be available only through the free voucher program
Shredding Event & Drug Take Back Day are on April 25 at the Severance Police Department from 10am-12pm th