[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6654717,"mediaKeyId","5448862-6f13cc3fa1f6c8c4aa59f6f3a0b618e3","parentId",5448862,"title","Local candidate Mike Jones introduces campaign for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4 during citizens to be heard","audioSeconds",78,"startMs",716000,"endMs",794000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5448862-6f13cc3fa1f6c8c4aa59f6f3a0b618e3&start=716&end=794","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5448862-6f13cc3fa1f6c8c4aa59f6f3a0b618e3/thumbnail_716000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6654717/Midlothian/Ellis-County/Texas/Local-candidate-Mike-Jones-introduces-campaign-for-Justice-of-the-Peace-Precinct-4-during-citizens-to-be-heard","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6654717-45bf1c07bbbdce56e8a509c91c430897/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201910&Signature=Zxm4qGVdQD-pIx-O99n6BQedu0Nx5CriufbvxqsqPEoq9vJjQbTOICbv~Gad~NPy8mUUEUIGGvFxhEKn-fKpg5HUhC7OAtV2SP1W6Ln8qvcRK6eif5biUv~lqC3v8Aaf0l7i5qfy6xVJiouP58SurdPYJRbJMPZdTT9KxarNqYxc7yEIRtZu-T0Uu9ZrTZ-~qSLNFtBaUCvreUplkAou8PgUUorfk8eQXgLPIPRqIOwiR4PKHUt9~lAO-CKm~uv2ZH4HSwvbSOBSo6nUW~WS6Ifky8XI8MLDo6vc1-AWPfVzHbSFWIkgUs1IDUbZhaQwm92QOg55jXKIEpmV5cg3QQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Midlothian","date","2025-07-22T00:00:00Z","article","During the \"citizens to be heard\" portion of the July 22 Midlothian City Council meeting, Mike Jones used his three allotted minutes to introduce himself as a candidate for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4.

Jones said he is a retired Marine and served 16 years as an elected constable, with additional experience as a chief deputy. He told the council he plans to run for the Justice of the Peace office in the area that predominantly covers Midlothian and Ovilla and asked council members to contact him with questions about his vision for the office. Jones provided his contact information to Councilman Rogers.

His remarks were part of the public comment period; no formal action was taken by the council on the announcement.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Midlothian - City Council - Jul 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A retired constable and Marine, Mike Jones introduced himself as a candidate for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4 during the July 22 Midlothian City Council public comment period.","taxTitle","Midlothian, Ellis County, Texas","taxId",54290,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6654722,"Council roundup: consent agenda, State Farm site plan and new water‑system assessment pass unanimously",278,3916000,4194000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5448862-6f13cc3fa1f6c8c4aa59f6f3a0b618e3&start=3916&end=4194","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5448862-6f13cc3fa1f6c8c4aa59f6f3a0b618e3/thumbnail_3916000.jpg","/articles/6654722/Midlothian/Ellis-County/Texas/Council-roundup-consent-agenda-State-Farm-site-plan-and-new-watersystem-assessment-pass-unanimously","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6654722-7c0905d1e5a146c002e5de92fc445387/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201910&Signature=OyXzTTAyGFF4ETeTihVw8OXHZVyXa5yx~WB6xlkmS4ckb1E~tZ8tLn4SHtTR-sKkSe6vtgosxUcUggnftYSXiGvMRZae8t8mV4qmVgdUYe~yxJHvcxOPQ~4BeOmtr9oc1iitfgbdGY4DRPkPrra0awQtGVEH38U6v-qBwyryztzW53PY6tk1SkBcAwYUFL5YJTqcIHKK3ZXkLW7w8qm6T8Mf8pQVV-JpA2zg14ih8K~kEAm4uQtwRrutktIq3wZ4KpMM-DRRIze5s0pJgD9QL2OMCyvs5bnXu0XICF5W3NZz3-T3--gykz7uq7-soqujirznPAYsht13586UFnETBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Midlothian City Council on July 22 approved several routine and operational items in a single set of votes.

Consent agenda: Council approved the consent agenda by a 6‑0 vote. Items on the consent agenda were not discussed individually during the meeting; the packet identified them as routine matters to be enacted by a single motion.

State Farm office site plan: Council approved a detailed site plan for a two‑unit community retail building that will include a State Farm office occupying one suite and space for an additional tenant in the second unit. Planning staff said the site is 0.592 acres within an existing mixed‑use PD; the site plan required no variances and the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval unanimously. Council scrutinized a proposed multi‑panel ground sign; staff confirmed it complies with sign rules for the PD. The site plan approval passed 6‑0.

Water‑system assessment: Council authorized a citywide water‑system assessment to model current and future water needs, evaluate whether to expand the existing treatment plant or build a new plant, and estimate capital and operating costs tied to growth and wholesale agreements in the far south of the service area. Staff said the study will analyze system‑wide hydraulics, capacities and phased options so the city can plan timing and cost for future treatment and distribution needs. The assessment will be funded from existing utility‑fund resources. The motion passed 6‑0.

Executive session: The council met in executive session on real‑estate and economic development matters and returned to open session with no action reported. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.","At the July 22 meeting council approved the consent agenda and fast‑track actions including a two‑unit State Farm office site plan and a citywide water‑system assessment contract; all passed 6‑0.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6654727,"Council approves Highland Village planned development after debate over lot sizes, septic systems and connecting street",2468,1422000,3890000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5448862-6f13cc3fa1f6c8c4aa59f6f3a0b618e3&start=1422&end=3890","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5448862-6f13cc3fa1f6c8c4aa59f6f3a0b618e3/thumbnail_1422000.jpg","/articles/6654727/Midlothian/Ellis-County/Texas/Council-approves-Highland-Village-planned-development-after-debate-over-lot-sizes-septic-systems-and-connecting-street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6654727-81dcd09b67e31db3538e0d7afd6f028b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201911&Signature=Xh3RjSrLM15LjIDgy4aGCXRujQcaE7SZzhweIk~C8-jtsx2tFxQvEnyBA~yWtto4bpF1pMKBUF5mn~KLkF2CDgPvW1GeB~Mlnmp5DlpeDgHo2u57TdrGb7TqJc6hIaSYGfTUhjjbaa-7yDQhYYkcQWrBVhZdD9UKNmYBfgxa~HC4jLFRBImLWj3nbZlIg1FV~XoQrLQp6RvYosHSkAyPg37sFmZ87LpzPNdMRUgIeYOgfQrSFvuQsf1t1gflZCV7MdI3g0xHJN3FnnPSa1AFUEFJFhNCa1XCcs9VWGk5719gKzdMw0ukpeEmh6XRYA4c8w06mdLzIaQ2cYWrrJVT1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Midlothian City Council on July 22 approved an ordinance rezoning roughly 50.96 acres to Planned Development 181 for single‑family detached homes (maximum 53 lots), after lengthy debate over density, wastewater systems and neighborhood connectivity.

The developer proposed a PD with lots averaging between 0.6 and 1.0 acre and an internal mix of lot sizes intended to allow smaller, less‑expensive houses than the typical one‑acre subdivisions nearby. The proposal calls for all lots to be served by on‑site sewage facilities (OSSF) using low‑pressure dosing (LPD) systems rather than surface spray systems; staff and council discussed the city’s historical practice of requiring one‑acre minimum lots for on‑site systems and whether a waiver was appropriate.

Planning staff recommended caution and flagged concerns: staff said the project met the city’s primary amenity requirements but only met five of the 13 secondary amenities and recommended that the developer extend a stub street from Hayfield Drive into the new subdivision. The Planning & Zoning Commission had recommended approval with the condition that the stub out be continued.

Council discussion centered on three issues: whether the lot sizes fit the surrounding low‑density character; the technical and maintenance risks of allowing on‑site sewage systems on lots smaller than one acre; and whether to require the Hayfield Drive connection that would improve neighborhood circulation and provide another emergency ingress/egress point.

The applicant said the proposed lot depths (about 250 feet on many lots) provide space for LPD systems and for accessory structures, pools and other typical backyard uses. The applicant said the design intends to provide sidewalks, curb and gutter, and street lighting to make the development resemble nearby suburban neighborhoods rather than rural one‑acre parcels.

Several council members urged the connection to Hayfield Drive. Councilmember Ross noted the public‑safety and circulation benefit of connecting stub streets rather than leaving them unjoined. Other council members expressed sympathy for existing Hayfield residents, who opposed a new connection, but ultimately the council adopted a motion that includes a requirement to extend the Hayfield Drive stub into the new development. The ordinance approval also capped the development at a maximum of 53 lots and confirmed that the final site plan must return to council for review and to verify sewer, water and other utility plans.

Votes on several motions were made during a prolonged series of procedural moves; the final ordinance passed 6‑0. Council and staff said the zoning approval concerns only the density and PD text; the detailed site plan and engineering will return to the council for final review and to confirm the Hayfield connection and the on‑site sewage approach.","After extended discussion about lot sizes, on‑site sewage (OSSF) systems and whether to extend a stub street, the Midlothian City Council approved PD‑181 (Highland Village) with a requirement to connect to the neighboring Hayfield Drive stub.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6654732,"Midlothian approves small zoning change to move two neighborhood amenities earlier in Hills development",563,851000,1414000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5448862-6f13cc3fa1f6c8c4aa59f6f3a0b618e3&start=851&end=1414","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5448862-6f13cc3fa1f6c8c4aa59f6f3a0b618e3/thumbnail_851000.jpg","/articles/6654732/Midlothian/Ellis-County/Texas/Midlothian-approves-small-zoning-change-to-move-two-neighborhood-amenities-earlier-in-Hills-development","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6654732-3952ff8733f1aa74828c26721674dae8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201910&Signature=dOBdZDHP1~hGuDnUndI~0WizhWxOkmZkxV0z2odK3A0zv7MuWV1a1Fq1wfCV-D0lEmnWZkxzzY2iC~DJwHKaGY9jvqO8tzw~7pN0t-MUl2TLujTGXPOr0WO3jzd-Y6qtaswv5MUEj4Z4HGbA9Iz0TZGuE6FPfyNv90xCP4sX5~q4RUQLegcTO8Ib41fQGL1wApG7CFQOBEwn2MQDlLlHELl-GS-8GAAJZJHqrT6uCyDCgAvMbSxbkYOP61wzu44HyYoWqXinWvNDeywHBnk~nKfi0bnw5xphN6i1HQAiKdeE4vk7PZQp4vhe~zB4~b7EuhJEifibQl7jr8ec0CyPHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Midlothian City Council on July 22 approved an ordinance amending the planned development schedule for the Hills subdivision (Planned Development 185), allowing two smaller amenity areas to be completed earlier and setting a firm completion deadline for the main amenity center.

Under the approved change, Building permits are capped for the large Amenity Area 1 until that area is finished or until Oct. 1, 2029, whichever comes first; if Amenity Area 1 is not complete by that date the city will suspend further permits and inspections. The amendment also requires that no phase-3 permits may be issued until Amenity Area 4 and Trail 2 are complete, and that no phase-2 permits be issued until Trail 1 is complete. Two other amenity areas (Area 2 and Area 3), which include playgrounds and courts, will be constructed earlier so those facilities will be available when the first homes are sold.

The change alters the original schedule that had required all amenities to be completed prior to issuance of most building permits. Planning staff and the applicant explained the adjustment reflects the development’s phasing and site geography: Amenity Area 1 is outside the earliest construction footprint, so moving Areas 2 and 3 forward better serves the first-constructed neighborhoods and avoids leaving completed lots without nearby facilities.

City planner/staff member Clyde described the geography and the proposed sequence, saying the applicant’s request keeps the same overall park dedication and amenity levels but changes the order in which the amenities are built. The developer said Amenity Areas 2 and 3 can be built with on-site infrastructure earlier than Amenity Area 1, which requires building permits tied to road, water and sewer construction.

Council members asked whether the change reduces the total number of amenities; the applicant and staff said it does not, it only reorders their completion. The ordinance was unanimously approved 6-0.

The ordinance preserves the development’s existing park-dedication obligations and phasing limits; the applicant remains responsible for completing the main amenity center no later than Oct. 1, 2029, or facing a suspension of permits. Council and staff said the amendment is intended to provide amenities to the earliest-constructed neighborhoods while protecting the city by retaining a deadline and permit suspension mechanism.

The council did not revise other zoning or land-use provisions for the PD, and staff noted no change to the development’s total land use occurred as part of this amendment.","City council approved an amendment to Planned Development 185 that allows two amenity areas within the Hills subdivision to be completed earlier in the build-out schedule and caps when the largest amenity center must be finished.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Local candidate Mike Jones introduces campaign for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4 during citizens to be heard

Council roundup: consent agenda, State Farm site plan and new water‑system assessment pass unanimously

Council approves Highland Village planned development after debate over lot sizes, septic systems and connecting street

Midlothian approves small zoning change to move two neighborhood amenities earlier in Hills development