ARCADIA: The City Council unanimously approved an...

ARCADIA: The City Council unanimously approved an architectural design for a 112,000-square-foot, five-story patient tower at Methodist Hospital of Southern California on Huntington Drive. In addition, the council approved a city code change allowing sidewalk dining for cafes and restaurants that obtain a special permit from the city.

IRWINDALE: United Rock has said it will file suit against the city over its rejection of the company’s proposal to deepen its quarry pits by 125 feet. The company contends that the City Council inappropriately refused its request although the Planning Commission approved the proposal and an environmental impact report cleared health and safety concerns. Without deeper quarry pits, United Rock says it will exhaust its resources within two to three years, but could continue to operate for 12 to 15 years if the depths are extended.

MONROVIA: The City Council has voted to use a mediator to resolve its dispute with Newco Waste Systems, which provides trash collection to residents and businesses in the city. After a hearing to consider terminating Newco for “non-performance,” the council voted to enter into non-binding mediation with Newco, which has threaten litigation and filed a claim against the city and its officials for damages.

SAN GABRIEL: Council members voted 4 to 1 Tuesday night to impose a contract on the San Gabriel Police Managers Assn. despite the objections of union members. The contract would provide a 2.5% salary increase retroactive to September, another 2.5% next July, an increase in the uniform allowance and bilingual pay. The association had demanded a high increase and wanted non-binding arbitration.

SOUTH EL MONTE: Former Mayor Raul Pardo, facing a criminal trial next month for alleged battery of a local newspaper photographer, has been removed from the Planning Commission because he missed three commission meetings. Under city ordinance, any commissioner who misses three meetings is automatically removed.