Severance council approves subdivision access rule, moves parking enforcement to municipal court, OKs first reading of 2024 model traffic code and appoints an (

The Severance Town Council on Feb. 11 approved several procedural and land-use measures intended to improve public safety, streamline enforcement and ensure legal continuity. Council members voted unanimously on votes summarized below; several items had brief staff presentations and limited council discussion before the roll-call approvals.

Ordinance 2025-03 (text amendment — two points of vehicular access) Staff presentation: Planning staff (Miss Porter) explained the ordinance would require two fully functioning points of vehicular access into and out of major subdivisions, multifamily developments and commercial developments. Staff told council a “major subdivision” is defined in the proposed amendment as more than 10 lots and that a transportation impact study (TIS) could require a third access for developments of roughly 100 residential lots.

Council discussion and outcome: Council members supported the change as a common-sense public-safety and planning practice. Concerns about cost were addressed: Porter said infrastructure costs for additional access would be borne by the developer through subdivision improvement agreements; town acceptance and ongoing maintenance would follow usual warranty and acceptance processes. The council approved Ordinance 2025-03 on a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Vandermark with a second from Councilmember Barrett; roll-call vote was unanimous (9–0).

Ordinance 2025-04 (parking enforcement moved to municipal court) Staff presentation: Town Attorney Max Salka explained staff and the police department recommended repealing the separate parking-matriculation procedure (parking magistrate) and instead incorporating parking-violation adjudication into municipal court procedures. Staff said the change would increase operational efficiency and give individuals who contest tickets the opportunity to appear before the municipal judge, rather than a separate appointed parking magistrate.

Council discussion and outcome: Council asked whether the municipal court would be overwhelmed; staff said monthly caseloads and current ticket volumes make the change operationally feasible. The ordinance was approved (motion by Vandermark; second by Bruin) by unanimous roll-call vote (9–0).

Ordinance 2025-05 (adopt 2024 model traffic code — first reading) Staff presentation: Town Attorney Max Salka summarized major state law updates incorporated into the 2024 model traffic code, including new provisions on yielding at roundabouts, expanded “due care” requirements when passing emergency and certain work/towing vehicles with lights engaged, doubled fines in school and construction zones (local amendment), and authority to tow vehicles illegally parked in accessible spaces. The ordinance adopts the state model code by reference and makes a few Severance-specific amendments.

Council discussion and outcome: Council members asked technical questions (for example, about seat-belt sections and the new wireless-phone rules for drivers under 18). Salka and staff said the second reading will include a public hearing as required for code adoptions; the council approved the ordinance on first reading (motion by Vandermark; second by Myers). The vote to move the ordinance to second reading and public hearing was unanimous (9–0).

Resolution 2025-05R (appoint interim town attorney; legal services agreement) Staff presentation and outcome: Town management presented an interim legal-services agreement with Wilson Williams LLP so the town’s legal work continues while the current town attorney transitions out. Interim counsel Erica Romberg (Wilson Williams) introduced herself and the firm’s municipal practice. Council ratified the interim appointment and approved the agreement by unanimous roll-call vote (9–0). Councilmembers discussed whether to issue a later RFP for long-term legal services; opinions were mixed and council left that option open.

Executive session At the end of the meeting council voted to enter executive session pursuant to Colorado law (CRS 24-6-402(4)(a) and (4)(e)(I)) to discuss negotiation strategy on possible lease, transfer or sale of town property located at 312 and 336 First Street. The motion to move into executive session passed unanimously (9–0).

What this means for residents - Subdivision access requirement: new developments of more than 10 lots will be required to provide at least two vehicle access points; larger developments could require additional access depending on a transportation impact study. The developer bears design and construction costs; the town will take over maintenance after warranty periods as with other accepted infrastructure. - Parking enforcement: residents who receive parking citations will contest them in municipal court rather than before a separate parking magistrate; notice procedures and contest rights will be included on violation notices. - Model traffic code adoption: the first reading moves the town toward full adoption of the 2024 state model traffic code with local amendments; expect a public hearing at second reading. - Legal services: interim counsel engaged to ensure continuity; council may pursue an RFP later if it chooses.

All votes referenced above were roll-call votes recorded in the meeting and noted as unanimous.