Marissa Payne

The agreement states that it releases the city of Cedar Rapids and its affiliates from “any and all claims or other causes of action” relating to Jerman’s employment or separation from the organization.

There’s a quote that sums up Wayne Jerman’s approach to being police chief: “The police are the public and the public are the police.” He retired as Cedar Rapids police chief Tuesday with a $241,442.78 severance agreement and reflected on his career in a Gazette exclusive.

A boost of over $180 million will more than double the Army Corps of Engineers’ contribution toward construction of the city of Cedar Rapids’ flood control system on the east side of the Cedar River, enabling construction to wrap up by the end of 2026.

Residents can visit the Community Room at the Ladd Library, 3750 Williams Blvd. SW, from 4 to 6 p.m. May 1 for an update on the project. There are likely to be schematic drawings available to look at from architects.

Average increase across Iowa was 22 percent, but assessors say property taxes will not increase at same rate.

The Cedar Rapids City Council is slated to sign off Tuesday on a $241,442.78 severance agreement with Police Chief Wayne Jerman after he turned 66 years old last month and aged out of his officer certification.

A state board on Thursday awarded a combined $1.3 million toward two CEdar Rapids projects: one that will revitalize Cedar Lake through the grassroots ConnectCR initiative and the other that will renovate the African American Museum of Iowa.

Developer Steve Emerson’s redevelopment of the Iowa Building, 211 Fourth Ave. SE, received historic preservation tax credits to create 41 rental units on the upper floors.

Linn County’s historic Bertram “Blue” Bridge on Bertram Road sustained damage while crews tried to lift it and move the structure to the Indian Creek Nature Center for use on the trail system. It likely cannot be salvaged.

After a Cedar Rapids policy change, more Iowa cities have looked at how to spur development of ADUs to create housing and boost density. ADUs are seen as “part of the puzzle” to sustainable, affordable, age-friendly housing development.

There have been reports of damage in several Eastern Iowa counties as the storms cut their way northeast through the state.

Cedar Lake revitalization as part of ConnectCR and the African American Museum of Iowa’s renovation project are among 34 seeking Community Attraction and Tourism grant funding.

Unions representing Cedar Rapids law enforcement officials shared with City Manager Jeff Pomeranz that they oppose having a civilian police department head as the city assesses whether Chief Wayne Jerman aged out of being a certified officer when he turned 66.

The Linn County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to extend its pause on new large-scale solar projects. The renewable energy review committees have final meetings this week to assess the county ordinance governing the solar projects.

The supervisors backed a 4.92 percent pay bump for the county attorney, sheriff and their deputies, and a 4.1 percent increase for other elected officials and their deputies. The compensation board suggested 12 percent and 10 percent raises for those officials, respectively.