Cedar Rapids shares Wayne Jerman’s severance deal to retire as police chief

CEDAR RAPIDS — The severance agreement outlining terms of Wayne Jerman’s retirement as police chief after he aged out of certification states that it releases the city of Cedar Rapids and its affiliates from “any and all claims or other causes of action” relating to his employment or separation from the organization.

The three-page deal, requested by The Gazette, was shared Wednesday and states Jerman — a law enforcement official for 44 years — will cooperate with any outstanding and transitional tasks. The City Council signed off on it Tuesday, making Jerman’s retirement from his more than 10 years with Cedar Rapids as police chief effective immediately.

Jerman turned 66 on March 4, and the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy maintains officer certifications expire after age 65. Neither city officials nor Jerman have shared whether they were aware of or surprised by this age requirement.

The agreement was not initially shared in full with the Tuesday council meeting packet, but was made available after it was signed Tuesday. Some raised questions about the entire contents of the agreement and why city officials didn’t share their rationale for offering such a deal for his retirement if it was anticipated.

Deputy Chief Tom Jonker was tapped to serve as interim chief as the city launches a national search for Jerman’s replacement.

Jerman’s severance pay includes $188,885 representing his salary for 12 months plus $35,557.78 for accrued and unused flex leave minus withholdings for state, federal and other taxes. That money is to be paid in a lump sum of $224,442.78 at the first normal payroll date falling at least eight days after the agreement was signed. An additional $17,000 will cover reimbursement expenses.

The document does not provide any additional rationale for his departure from the city beyond attributing his retirement to “confidential constraints necessitating his separation.”

If Jerman is covered with a city health insurance policy, he may use COBRA or other legally available benefit continuation programs.

According to the deal, it is intended to comply with the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990 and waives Jerman’s rights under the law. It also states that Jerman releases all claims regarding his employment, including those related to the Iowa Civil Rights Act or any other law, regulation, or state or federal statute.

Jerman Severance Agreement - Executed 4.11.23 by Gazetteonline on Scribd

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