North Liberty council OKs chief’s resignation deal

NORTH LIBERTY, Iowa (AP) — The North Liberty City Council has approved a resignation package that includes nearly $37,700 in salary for former Police Chief Jim Warkentin.

The Gazette reports that the package approved unanimously Tuesday night extends Warkentin’s benefits through March 31. It also includes a confidentiality clause and bars him from filing any employment claims against the city in court.

Warkentin has said personal reasons led him to resign, but he hasn’t elaborated.

North Liberty Mayor Tom Salm and City Administrator Ryan Heiar have declined to comment on Warkentin’s resignation.

Warkentin worked for the department from Aug. 9, 1999, until Feb. 6.

Lt. Diane Venenga has been named acting police chief.