[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6076269,"mediaKeyId","2970388-645d10dd3749fff36afedf51a3a25350","parentId",2970388,"title","Severance council approves traffic-code adoption, decommissions old siren and clears several routine items","audioSeconds",1229,"startMs",8032000,"endMs",9261000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2970388-645d10dd3749fff36afedf51a3a25350&start=8032&end=9261","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2970388-645d10dd3749fff36afedf51a3a25350/thumbnail_8032000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6076269/Severance/Weld-County/Colorado/Severance-council-approves-traffic-code-adoption-decommissions-old-siren-and-clears-several-routine-items","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076269-5826e9beca69bc472e9192dc641b83c4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770939182&Signature=FhTpEkJmHVKue3Th8bXDpvgH7WYO39H8FdDM4FraHBNtDE8nknQ~gRkOB5a3MjD5OAvuyMvkop4ozMTFgVRfqKXKMH7fUgycgaoA6zHFKA44A7QvUECVY2isVGkzKZvhnWb6IrFeKtPUfFvuegk8aD66RJou6-f0qREKvwotuRdmrYFewCeVAEsErgebkWvWBrhU5w28LfMoZmetHrLS1Pasa5vhF7gjWyU081pNx2vx4DkCyyR6j5knn~urpza6aGkh3cD~n7YLBVl1nOALVI1r4De4s6Q2Jkis2R370nZ3e3pX1yIfNKSJ5lJkXFXE8LC-x4pNfIuG7v3Vf-FNXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Severance, CO","date","2025-03-25T00:00:00Z","article","Severance Town Council took several administrative actions on March 25, approving a set of ordinances, resolutions and procedural items intended to update codes and town operations.

Traffic code adoption: Council adopted Ordinance 2025-05 to adopt the 2024 Colorado Model Traffic Code by reference and to include town-specific, non-moving provisions (signage, fines and parking rules). The town attorney revised the draft after Colorado Department of Transportation review so that town-specific amendments do not apply to state highways that run through town; CDOT confirmed the change. Council approved the ordinance on second reading following an amendment that clarifies state-highway exclusions.

Tornado siren decommissioning and alerting: Council voted to decommission the town’s tornado siren system, citing limited geographic coverage and public-safety advantages of phone- and web-based alerts. Staff said Weld County’s CodeRED system already covers many residents (about 2,700 sign-ups at the time of the meeting); the county will issue an RFP for an alert vendor in 2025 and the town will continue public outreach (postcard, social media and HOA/metro outreach) to push residents to sign up.

Recreational easement and reservoir improvements: Council approved a grant of recreational easements and a construction agreement to permit public access features and two fishing docks at the Loop (Eaton Law) Reservoir; the property owner executed matching documents subject to council approval.

Council publications and media policy: Council adopted a formal policy to govern town-published communications and social-media posts originating from the council. The policy clarifies differences between official town communications and individual council members’ personal social media and sets limits for content and word counts for the printed town newsletter (which appears quarterly).

American Legion funding request: Council approved a motion to grant up to $2,000 from the council discretionary fund to the American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion for commemorative pins recognizing local veterans; the motion passed unanimously by roll call.

Vacancy and appointment process: The council formally accepted Councilor Myers’s resignation and declared a vacancy (Resolution 2025-13R). On council direction, staff recommended an appointment process rather than a costly special election; council voted to fill the vacancy by appointment and asked staff to outline the appointment timetable and application process.

Other routine business: Council approved the consent calendar and the agenda as presented at the meeting’s start; several staff reports and event announcements were received. The town also approved a grant-of-easement item for municipal trail and construction work on the town-owned reservoir land.

Ending: Most votes were unanimous. Councilors said they will provide outreach to residents on alert-system changes and be prepared to revisit communications and public-notice formats as necessary.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town Council Work Session/Regular Meeting - March 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Severance Town Council on March 25 approved the 2024 model traffic code for Colorado (Ordinance 2025-05), voted to decommission the town’s tornado siren system in favor of web/phone alerts, and approved easements and a publications policy in a packet of routine municipal actions.","taxTitle","Severance , Weld County, Colorado","taxId",56764,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6076273,"Consultant urges Severance to plan now for water financing, alternatives after NISP approval",1762,36000,1798000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2970388-645d10dd3749fff36afedf51a3a25350&start=36&end=1798","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2970388-645d10dd3749fff36afedf51a3a25350/thumbnail_36000.jpg","/articles/6076273/Severance/Weld-County/Colorado/Consultant-urges-Severance-to-plan-now-for-water-financing-alternatives-after-NISP-approval","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076273-e520ad514f4c124b814a645c181fee42/orig.mp4?Expires=1770939181&Signature=aJheIH-~G3HQeuJ9LgGgwJSouHluS~1vFSClq1gbEMId0~T54PUG-1ejvDnN3aTDBxIJ76iZHPAnCWdA9HXfRji1VBELwvCdtLruhM72A3Ta3fRkScP8~XSJ3Q5PwX3J4c2WCqlPrCtZMXWN9dgF5X2sG8EsLgqfwxAVVBsiZ2znApxWOKsLVuEVpP0tQS6dW0WkCNfX30WkxFqv5gmIuyMlsDbDN4eK2rJadltKTOYD7kRtGutclk1eJWeF0p3FqH6OunkyIQOePrkGvqSKqBjAIMNuuDDgG~E5POapDo4XhPZ5~IGcGwYd~7Zl2~rAzIK3yBWe3LblmrV-6zIwgg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","WestWater Research told Severance Town Council on March 25 that population-driven demand and municipal dedication rules have pushed water values in Northern Colorado up and urged the town to adopt a water-supply master plan and financing strategy now that the Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP) has reached settlement.

Why it matters: Water is the key constraint on growth along Colorado’s Front Range. The consultant said municipal buyers and developers now account for the bulk of purchases and that utility rules requiring new growth to “pay its own way” increase the market price of water. For small towns, the consultant said, orderly planning and financing are crucial to secure supply without saddling existing ratepayers.

Presentation highlights: Adam Jokers of WestWater Research, a Fort Collins-based water-economics firm, summarized transaction data from the WestWater database and said the Colorado-Big-Thompson (CBT) system has been central to growth but is becoming scarcer. He said his firm’s data show that most water sold in recent years was reallocated from agriculture to municipal buyers and that some CBT units likely will remain off-market for decades.

\"Water representing about 10% of the overall home cost,\" Jokers said while illustrating how an embedded water cost can translate into hundreds of dollars in monthly mortgage expense when builders and utilities allocate a per-lot water charge into home prices.

Proposal for a master plan: Jokers said WestWater has proposed to the town manager a public-facing water-supply master plan and financing analysis to inventory supply alternatives (including NISP entitlement, CBT, groundwater projects and traded water shares), complete demand analysis, and develop bond and rate models to support purchases. \"We proposed a public-facing document that would explain and provide the justification for whatever decision would have [to be made],\" Jokers told council.

Where Severance stands: Town officials and the consultant said Severance’s portfolio is comparatively healthy: the town can provide full service at lower CBT quotas (60% or 50% quota) than some neighbors, and per-home water charges looked competitive in a February data snapshot. Jokers and councilors noted that neighbors’ rate increases timed at different dates may change those comparisons when utilities update tariffs.

Council reaction and next steps: Council members recognized the town’s relatively strong supply position but agreed that planning was timely. Town Manager Nick Wharton and staff said they will meet further with WestWater to define scope and deliverables for a master plan and finance analysis. No formal procurement or contract award occurred during the meeting; the discussion ended with council expressing support for pursuing a structured plan.

Ending: Councilors said they want the master plan to be publicly understandable, to consider affordability, and to map financing options that could be phased so debt service does not unduly burden existing customers.","WestWater Research presented a briefing on water markets and proposed a water supply/master-plan engagement for Severance. Consultant said Northern Colorado water prices are shaped by municipal demand and that Severance is comparatively well-positioned but should plan financing for future purchases.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6076277,"Severance council approves Northgate Lake preliminary plat after drainage, traffic and open-space debate",3470,4371000,7841000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2970388-645d10dd3749fff36afedf51a3a25350&start=4371&end=7841","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2970388-645d10dd3749fff36afedf51a3a25350/thumbnail_4371000.jpg","/articles/6076277/Severance/Weld-County/Colorado/Severance-council-approves-Northgate-Lake-preliminary-plat-after-drainage-traffic-and-open-space-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076277-9f930705da0736f645103f1f420658b3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770939181&Signature=bI5nTNg6jVUoRtctLj0Fnk3oNLGeoRk4n5O1InaRS4VfLliROBseJpV9G52hi3qHt1YHKQic1k5Pm6CFXLRehJIbtWE8sMrbxM5YMFIlOK8eUCyhTHawHuJjFTr-vd2QxtzIDPyyLiZSiQp5SEbw9rhZV1jw4nTttnRttp0FRhoHj8osLl5MNH00oIfTx8AnR8ywD0lTpQUxGDzksd~Jxamg2nQARoN17NoijVc~r~HQ-3FZtQM~YAGTZg5iQ1cujOp3VpcsM-CczQRWDoNprKhASlnSv65QjqwwJPDPVyoUqjxcu7u7gs78OVCnkFm~r1291-1UpbDHttsAY3Ur7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Severance on March 25 approved the preliminary plat for Northgate Lake, a 315-acre development that would add 671 single-family lots, future multifamily acreage, about 29 acres of commercial land and a 10.47-acre site the Weld RE-4 School District has identified for a future elementary school. Council passed Resolution 2025-12R by roll-call vote after a public hearing and more than two hours of staff, applicant and resident testimony.

Why it matters: The project, annexed and concept-approved in 2022, would substantially enlarge Severance’s housing stock and add commercial acreage intended to attract a grocery anchor and other services. Council and planning staff said the town still lacks immediate water and sewer infrastructure to serve the full project; the developer must show how utilities, drainage and other infrastructure will be constructed before the final plat is approved.

Council and staff said the preliminary plat itself met land-use-code criteria, but the approval carries conditions. Planning staff listed 14 conditions (included in the resolution) that must be satisfied during the final-plat process. Those include detailed engineering on stormwater conveyance and off-site drainage easements where necessary, final utility plans showing potable and non-potable water and sanitary sewer service, and site-by-site compliance with town street, trail and public-works standards.

Applicant and design: Journey Homes and civil consultants described a three-phase build beginning at the southern portion of the site (where sewer connection is easiest), then moving north. The plan includes a centrally located reservoir and 73 acres of open space in the single-family area; the applicant said the reservoir and associated trails are being designed as usable recreation for residents and will be owned and maintained by a metro district, if formed.

On drainage and easements: Developer representative Larry Buckendorf presented engineering drawings and said the project’s grading and pond design will reduce historical runoff to adjacent neighborhoods. He told council the project “reduces the contributing area from 43 acres to 1.17 acres” and estimated peak flow reductions from “20.16 cubic feet per second down to 5.13 CFS” to Settlers Landing. Town engineering staff agreed the design reduces historic peak rates but said off-site conveyance and easements may still be required where the project concentrates flow at specific outfalls. Town engineering memo language is part of the conditions.

Traffic and schools: Delich/JR traffic analysis concluded several nearby intersections meet current level-of-service standards but noted a westbound left-turn lane at Harmony Road and Timber Ridge Parkway is required under existing volumes. Engineers and councilors said a traffic signal at that intersection is warranted only in a longer-term horizon; several council members urged the developer and town to explore interim safety and pedestrian-crossing measures and to work together on signal warrants, citing safety concerns where school, neighborhood and commercial traffic will converge.

Public comment and neighborhood concerns: About a dozen residents spoke, most from adjacent Settlers Landing and Timber Ridge. Concerns included drainage impacts on private yards and driveways, buffer widths, fence types and trail connections. Several residents asked that the reservoir surface be guaranteed as a public amenity rather than private amenity for new-home owners. The developer told council the metro district would likely own and maintain the reservoir and that the company is open to negotiating intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) with the town to allow public access while addressing insurance and liability issues.

Council action and conditions: Council voted unanimously to approve Resolution 2025-12R, contingent on the listed planning-commission and staff conditions. The motion was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Vandermark and seconded by Councilor Barrett; roll-call approval was recorded.

What’s next: The approval grants preliminary-plat status only. Before any lots can be recorded or sold the developer must satisfy the conditions in the resolution during the final-plat review, complete detailed engineering drawings (including any off-site drainage or conveyance easements found necessary), secure required utility agreements, and return for final-plat public hearings. The school district retains authority over if and when it constructs the planned elementary school.

Ending: Council members repeatedly urged developers and staff to continue public communication during engineering and final-plat steps, and several said they would remain engaged on traffic and drainage work until the town can inspect and accept constructed infrastructure.","After a lengthy public hearing, Severance Town Council approved the Northgate Lake preliminary plat (resolution 2025-12R) with conditions. Council and staff said final engineering, drainage easements and utility assurances must be satisfied before any final plat is recorded.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Severance council approves traffic-code adoption, decommissions old siren and clears several routine items

Consultant urges Severance to plan now for water financing, alternatives after NISP approval

Severance council approves Northgate Lake preliminary plat after drainage, traffic and open-space debate