Westminster, City Official Agree to a Slow Separation

A city manager under investigation for allegedly altering documents has reached an agreement with Westminster officials prohibiting her from entering City Hall but allowing her to work from home until she retires in November.

Mary Evangeline Schock, 54, of Yorba Linda, who had been city manager for nearly two years, was placed on administrative leave in April during a 30-day internal investigation.

But in May, before the investigation could be concluded, Schock and city officials reached an agreement under which she would work from home as Special Projects Director until her retirement Nov. 1. According to city documents, Schock will be paid her salary of $15,000 a month, with the city also paying her attorney’s fees of $7,500.

On Wednesday, City Atty. Richard Jones declined to comment.

A lawyer for Schock did not return calls, and Schock could not be reached.

The investigation began after a March 22 meeting in which City Council members expressed concern that Schock had allegedly altered a travel policy to favor her own office.

The proposed policy had been that the city manager would need the council’s approval before business trips.

When the policy was brought back for a final vote, however, it stated that the city manager could go on trips and submit expenses to the council upon return.

The council voted to quash the new policy.

Schock was hired in June 2004 with a three-year contract.

Police Chief Andrew Hall has been acting as interim city manager.