Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Governance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Severance council approves NISP participation, retirement plan switch and two land‑use ordinances; consent and agenda adopted
Summary
Severance Town Council adopted a set of measures on Jan. 14 covering water planning, staff retirement administration and land‑use updates, and approved its consent calendar and meeting agenda.
Severance Town Council took several formal votes during its Jan. 14 meeting. Counsel approved the consent calendar and the meeting agenda and adopted three staff‑recommended measures affecting water planning, employee retirement administration and land use.
Key votes at a glance
- Resolution 2025‑03: Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP) participation agreement — APPROVED - What it is: The town approved the annual participation agreement and payment schedule for Severance’s remaining NISP shares. Staff noted the town sold 1,500 NISP shares previously and now retains 500 shares; the current agreement covers final design phases for Glade Reservoir and related conveyance work so construction can proceed when authorized. - Motion: Moved by Council Member Bruin; second by Mayor Pro‑Tem Vandermark. - Vote: Unanimous roll call in favor (all present council members recorded “yes”).
- Resolution 2025‑04: 401 and 457 plan participation agreements (Colorado Retirement Association) — APPROVED - What it is: Council authorized switching the town’s retirement administration to Colorado Retirement Association (CRA), rolling existing funds to the CRA and enabling additional 401 options for employees. The town will require a 3% employee contribution to match the town’s 3% contribution. - Motion: Moved by a council member and seconded as recorded in the minutes; roll call approved.
- Ordinance 2025‑01: Amend Land Use Code for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to conform with state law — ADOPTED - What it is: The ordinance updates chapter 16 so Severance complies with a Colorado statute requiring municipalities to permit accessory dwelling units in residential zones while preserving local building‑code, setback and health‑and‑safety requirements. - Motion: Moved and seconded; roll call approved.
- Ordinance 2025‑02: Amend Land Use Code on home‑based business rules — ADOPTED - What it is: The ordinance removes the prior “type 1 / type 2” distinction and replaces it with a clearer use‑by‑right vs. special‑use permit system for home occupations; the change is intended to simplify staff review and public understanding. - Motion: Moved and seconded; roll call approved.
Other formal actions
- Consent calendar: Approved (motion moved; first/second noted in minutes; roll call unanimous). The consent calendar included routine items and a corrected appropriation code requested by management.
- Agenda: Approved (motion moved; first/second noted; roll call unanimous).
Why it matters
NISP participation affects long‑term water supply planning for Severance and remains one of the town’s largest multi‑decade infrastructure commitments. The retirement plan switch affects employee benefits and payroll administration; the retirement funds must remain in enterprise funds as required. The two land‑use ordinances implement state law and clarify permitting processes that affect housing and small business uses in residential neighborhoods.
Ending: Council recorded unanimous support on the major items. Staff will implement the retirement change, begin administrative steps on NISP contract obligations and publish the code amendments and related application materials for ADUs and home‑based businesses.
