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FEBRUARY

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 and news, and updates from businesses and groups in the Community. Be in the know on happenings in Town and everything in between!

E X T R A ! E X T R A ! READ ALL ABOUT IT!

SEVERANCE TOWN COUNCIL

Matt Fries Mayor

Craig Joseph Council Member

Stephen Gagliardi Council Member

Dave Bruen Council Member

Karen Hessler Council Member

Brittany Vandermark Mayor Pro-Tem

Josh Ochs Council Member

Hello Severance!

FROM MAYOR: MATT FRIES

Thank you to all who attended our most recent TOWN HALL (in person or online). The format was Q and A. There was no presentation by council or management; it was just answering questions from residents. The event lasted 2 hours and 36 minutes! It was a successful, informative, and well-attended event.

The Town council and staff fielded several dozen questions on a large variety of subjects ranging from the Great Western Trail paving, to street lighting, traffic signals, community park closure and renovations, taxes, recreation center, infrastructure, growth management area, town budget, social media, car theft and break-ins, zip codes, land use code, economic growth, being heard versus being agreed with, use of high school tennis courts and track, and a few more. I am sure not everyone got the answer they were looking for. I am certain they got the truth.

Dear Severance,

Please be patient as you see changes and closures at the community park this summer. Traffic lights are not installed, so you can drive faster. They are installed to keep people safe and allow equal, safe access to our roadways from neighborhoods.

Replacing aging water service lines is not designed to inconvenience anyone. It is designed to assure reliable, clean drinking water for your homes and families.

There will be many projects happening this spring and summer around town. Give the work crews a break as you travel through these areas. They are just doing their jobs. If you want to complain, call me or any council member We are the ones who appropriated the money for the projects.

I am glad that you chose Severance for your home. I hope to see you around town!

Matthew Fries Mayor

FROM TOWN COUNCIL MEMBER: STEPHEN GAGLIARDI

I am deeply grateful to the citizens of Severance for your trust and support in electing me to serve our community It is truly an honor to represent you. I am committed to promoting smart, sustainable growth that preserves the character of our town while strengthening our local economy, with a strong focus on supporting business growth and responsible development. Our council is always looking for great ideas. If you have any Ideas that could help please send them our way. The only bad ideas are the ones that are never shared. Together, we can continue building a thriving and vibrant future for our community. Thank you

Stephen Gagliardi

Council Member, Town of Severance

FROM TOWN COUNCIL MEMBER: JOSH OCHS

I’m honored to serve as your newly elected Town Council member, and I’d like to take this opportunity to share some updates and priorities. First and foremost, thank you again for electing me and entrusting me to represent you. Your confidence means the world to me, and I am truly honored to serve our community.

As I settle in and start to get my feet wet, I am amazed at our council, our town staff, and the incredible people who call Severance home. We are truly blessed to live in such a caring and engaged community. I’ve seen firsthand that our council members approach every decision with the best interests of the town in mind and even early in 2026, I’ve witnessed the compassion and thoughtfulness that go into those decisions.

Our town staff also deserve recognition. Long hours, dedication, and smiles all around make a difference every day. From a police officer embracing a moment with a neighborhood child, to our friendly staff at Town Hall, to our public works crew keeping us safe on the roads, I am inspired by their service and commitment.

I’m particularly excited about the continued development of our community park. While construction may bring some temporary inconveniences, the end result will be worth it with a vibrant space for events, gatherings, and memories that will last for years to come.

Growth! Growth! Growth! While it’s not always easy to embrace, growth brings economic strength, expanded services, better local employment options, and the resources to sustain and improve our infrastructure all while encouraging thoughtful planning so Severance can thrive now and into the future.

I encourage you to get involved, attend council meetings, watch our youth council in action, or stream planning commission or citizen advisory board meetings. Your voice matters! Show up, speak up, and let us hear what you have to say.

You can always reach out to town staff or any council member with questions or concerns. We’re happy to help or point you in the right direction. Our contact information can be found here: https://www.townofseverance.org/161/Mayor-TownCouncil. And if you see any of us around town, don’t be shy, we’d love to hear from you in person as well.

In closing, I’ll leave you with a quote that resonates deeply:

“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now” — Martin Luther King Jr Thank you for staying engaged in our community In a small town like ours, we may take different paths to get here, but we’re all working toward the same goal, making Severance a stronger, more connected place to live.

Best regards, Josh Ochs Town Council Member

Dirt is being hauled away from the John Law Reservoir. Picture Taken on February 10th.

Clean Up Days 2026 FREE Voucher

May 1 - July 31, 2026

The Town of Severance would like to share important updates regarding Clean Up Days for 2026.

Due to the upcoming Community Park renovation and full park closure, the Town has transitioned to a voucher-based cleanup program for this year.

✅ New for 2026: FREE Voucher Program (Worth up to $125.00)

Instead of curb-side collection or a local drop-off site, the Town has adopted a voucher program with the North Weld Landfill at: 40000 W CR 25, Ault, CO 80610

❗ Important Reminder

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 voucher program

Clean Up FREE Voucher Program Details

500 vouchers available total

$125 value per FREE voucher

One voucher per household

First come, first served — while supplies last Each voucher allows:

ONE vehicle load

Items totaling up to $125 at the Weld County Landfill

If your load exceeds $125, the resident is responsible for paying the difference

��VOUCHER PICK-UP INFORMATION

FREE Vouchers available starting May 1, 2026

�� Location: Severance Town Hall

�� Hours: Monday–Friday: 8:00 am12 pm & 1 pm – 5:00 pm & Tuesday evenings during Town Council meetings

⚠ Limit: One voucher per household

�� Expiration Date of use: July 31, 2026

��MUST bring proof of residency when picking up the FREE voucher.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Highlypathogenicavianinfluenza(HPAI)viruswas confirmedinwildgeeseinNortheasternColoradoon March24,2022.ColoradoParksandWildlife(CPW) continuestoworkwiththeColoradoDepartmentof Agriculture(CDA),ColoradoDepartmentofPublicHealth andEnvironment(CDPHE),theUnitedStatesDepartment ofAgriculture,andotheragenciestomonitorandrespond toadditionalcasesofhighlypathogenicavianinfluenza.

WhatisAvianInfluenza?

Avianinfluenzaisaninfectiousdiseaseofbirdscausedbya groupofinfluenzaviruses.Thesevirusesnaturallycirculate inwildbirds,suchaswaterfowlandshorebirds,whichcan carrytheviruswithoutshowinganysignsofdisease.There aremanystrainsofavianinfluenza,whichareclassified intotwocategories:lowpathogenic(LPAI)strainswhich typicallycauselittleornoclinicalsignsinanybirds,and highlypathogenic(HPAI)strainswhichcancausesevere diseaseandpotentiallyhighmortalityinsomebirdsspecies, particularlydomesticpoultry.

NewHPAIStrainin2021-2022

In the winter and spring of 2021-2022, an outbreak of HPAI involving a new strain of H5N1 emerged in North America. UnlikepriorstrainsofHPAIinNorthAmerica,thisparticular strain caused widespread mortality in some species of wild birds, particularly in snow geese, raptors, and vultures. This strain has also caused mortality in several mammal species, especiallyinskunksandfoxes.

DoesAvianInfluenzacausediseaseinwildbirds?

PreviousHPAIstrainscausedminimaldiseaseinwildbird populations ecurrent manyspecies somespeciesofducks,

However,th straindoescausedisease in pelicans,raptors,vultures,cranes, turkeys,andpossiblyothergamebirdspeciesT

includingswans,gulls,geese,grebes, . ypicalsigns includeswimmingincircles,movingslowly,uncoordinated movement,andheadtiltorinabilitytoliftthehead.Most affectedbirdsareseenonthegroundorfounddead,but occasionallysickbirdsmaybeseenflyinglowandalone.

Can humans be infected?

Although rare, some HPAI strains can infect people so it is important to protect yourself. The main protection for the general public is to avoid handling sick or dead birds. See the CDC website and the CDPHE website for more information on protective actions for people

Whattodoifyoufindsickordeadbirds?

Ifyou findthree or more dead wild birds in one area within a two week period OR if you see live birds showing clinical signs of disease, please contact your local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office. CPW will not be able to respond to all calls and is focusing responses based on surveillance and management priorities.

Hunterprecautions:

Donothandleoreatwildlifefoundsickordead. Donoteat,drink,orputanythinginyourmouthwhile cleaningorhandlinggame.

Wearrubberorlatexgloveswhenhandlingand cleaninggame.

Washhandsthoroughlyanddisinfectknives, equipment,andsurfacesthatcomeintocontactwith game.

Keepwildbirdcarcassesawayfromdomesticpoultry Cookallgamethoroughlytoaninternaltemperatureof 165°F;donotfeedraworundercookedgametopets

Recommendations for Individuals Who Handle Wild Birds

Wildlife professionals and individuals licensed to handle wild birds in areas where HPAI is active should wear protective gear (e g , gloves, a face mask, eye protection) when handling wild species with a high risk of carrying avian influenza and with any birds found sick or dead. Be sure to wash your hands and disinfect equipment after handling. There are many disinfectants suitable for use against avian influenza viruses Ensure that equipment and surfaces are cleaned with soap and water prior to applying disinfectants Disinfectants require a specific amount of contact time to kill the virus. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the product that you use.

RecommendationsforFalconers:

Avian influenza virus can be transmitted to birds of prey from feeding on infected birds. As a precaution, we advise falconers to avoid hunting wild avian species and not to feed wild species (particularly waterfowl) to raptors during this HPAI outbreak Minimize contact with wild birds, enhance cleaning and biosecurity practices and consult with a veterinarian immediately if any of your birds show signs of illness.

RecommendationsforGameBirdFacilities:

Game birds such as pheasants, turkeys, grouse, and quail may be susceptible to HPAI. The main way to protect your birds is to maintain good sanitation and biosecurity, limit bird movement, and minimize contact with wild birds See the below link to CDA guidance for more information on biosecurity practices.

Recommendationsforwildliferehabilitators: •

All birds, even apparently healthy ones, should be quarantined before mixing with resident birds. Avoid mixing species and unnecessary bird-to-bird contact. Consider foot baths, dedicated footwear or other biosecurity measures to limit introduction of viruses into the facility

Consider limiting or stopping admissions of wild species with high risk for carrying avian influenza viruses during this HPAI outbreak.

If birds in your facility show signs of illness, consult with a veterinarian immediately to facilitate testing.

Additionalinformationonavianinfluenzacanbe foundatthefollowing:

•

USDA APHIS: https://www aphis usda gov/h5n1-hpai

Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/birdflu/situation-summary/inhumans.html

Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA): https:// ag.colorado.gov/animal-health/reportable-diseases/ avian-influenza

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: https://cdphe colorado gov/animalrelated-diseases/hpai-h5n1

©Steven Grogger

FREE COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Did you know our website has FREE resources for our community? From emergency preparedness tools to veteran support information—even a page explaining the difference between a metro district and an HOA. Visit townofseverance.org to explore helpful information and find answers about our community!

HELP KEEP OUR COMMUNITY CLEAN

Help Keep our Community Beautiful. Did you know litter is prohibited? It is unlawful and constitutes a nuisance 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 as defined by 40 C.F.R. Part 261, or other offensive matter, except in public receptacles or authorized private receptacles.

CONTACT US

WE’RE LISTENING — CONTACT THE TOWN OF 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.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

2026 EVENTS

Tuesday, February 24th

5pm | Work Session & Town Council Meeting

Monday, March 2nd

5pm l Youth Council Meeting

Wednesday, March 4th

6pm l Citizen Advisory Board

Tuesday, March 10th

5pm | Work Session & Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, March 18th

6pm | Planning Commission Meeting

Tuesday, March 24th

5pm | Work Session & Town Council Meeting

FEB 6-13- HEARTS SCAVENGER HUNT

APRIL 25- DRUG TAKE BACK- SHRED EVENT

MAY 1- CLEAN UP DAYS VOUCHER AVAILABLE**

MAY 6- BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY

MAY 16- KIDS FISHING DERBY

MAY 22- TOUCH A TRUCK

JUNE 26- MOVIE NIGHT

JULY 11- SAFETY FAIR

JULY 24- MOVIE NIGHT

AUG 4/5- NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

SEPT 4- MOVIE NIGHT

SEPT 17-SEPT 23 CONSTITUTION WEEK

OCTOBER 2- COFFEE WITH A COP

OCT SEVERANCE DAYS**

OCT 26 - NOV 7 FOOD DRIVE

OCT 30- TRICK OR TREAT PARADE

OCT/NOV TREE AND LIMB DROP OFF**

NOV 7- FOOD DRIVE DROP OFF LAST DAY

DEC 12- TOWN CHRISTMAS

AFTER CHRISTMAS- CHRISTMAS TREE DROP OFF** ** NEW or CHANGED EVENTS *Subject to Change

COMMUNITY PARK PROJECT

*This is a conceptual rendering of the proposed community park that may be subject to changes.

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.

CLERKS OFFICE

COURT:

February Court had 46 cases on the docket: 9 were juvenile expungements (not required to appear), 7 were failureto-appear cases, and 30 cases appeared at Severance Town Hall for Municipal Court.

SOLICITOR LICENSE:

Solicitors are required to register with the Town, and all approved solicitors are listed on the Town's website. Please reach out to the Town Clerk with any questions. Or to report a solicitor, call the non-emergency number to the Police Department 970-350-9600.

2026 BUSINESS LICENSES:

Business Licenses are DUE. Get your business applications in now to be processed. Business licenses do have a $25 fee and are renewed annually. Business Licenses are required to operate in the Town of Severance. Severance Businesses will be showcased on our website, townofseverance.org, on the business directory (unless the business chooses to opt out).

NOTARY SERVICES:

Need a document notarized? The Town offers free notary services to residents of Severance.

Available Services:

- Acknowledgments

- Oaths & Affirmations

- Witnessing Signatures

Important Details:

- To ensure availability, we recommend scheduling in advance.

- Bring a valid passport, driver’s license, or government-issued photo ID.

- No Remote or Electronic Notarization.

- No Real Estate or Lending Documents.

- No Witnesses Provided: If required, please bring your own.

These services are offered at Town Hall during business hours. Contact us at 970-686-1218 with any questions or email info@townofseverance.org.

TOWN PLANNING

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

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

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WEATHER READY COMMUNITY

The National Weather Service and the Town of Severance want everyone to be part of a Weather-Ready Nation. With the return of winter, Colorado receives a variety of hazards in the form of snow, wind chill, high winds, and avalanches. Are you winter weather-ready? Now is the time to ensure you know how to stay safe when winter weather arrives.

Snow in Colorado is essential to the farmers, the ski areas, and for filling up reservoirs. However, winter storms often bring heavy snow, bitterly cold air, high winds, low visibility, and slick roads. This can lead to dangerous travel conditions and other life-threatening situations, such as avalanches and very frigid wind chill temperatures.

Our Severance Clearview Library has many wonderful meeting areas available to our community members. Not only can you book a room during business hours, but you can also book a room outside of business hours, and a code will be provided for you and your group. If you are looking for a space to hold a meeting, study session, or even a gettogether, consider the Severance Library as your destination.