Boards & Commissions
The Town of Yorktown relies on a variety of boards and commissions to guide development, oversee essential services and involve citizens in the operation of local government. Each body has a distinct purpose, meets on a regular schedule and includes residents and elected officials who volunteer their time.
Plan Commission
Purpose and duties. The Plan Commission is responsible for reviewing and updating Yorktown’s Comprehensive Planand Zoning Ordinance. It approves subdivision plats for new residential and commercial developments and hears petitions for zoning changes before making recommendations to the Town Council. The commission consists of seven members—three government employees and four citizen members, with no more than two members from the same political party. Members are appointed by the Town Council President and serve four‑year terms.
Meeting schedule. Meetings are held as needed at 5:00 PM on the first Wednesday of each month at Town Hall.
Current members. As of January 2025, the commission includes Chris Greene (government), Nanci Perry (government), Jason Gasaway (government, President), Jerry Hoffman (citizen), Dan MacDonald (citizen), Eric Scholer (citizen), and Trevor Oetting (citizen, Vice President).
Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA)
Purpose and duties. The BZA hears testimony on applications for use variances, design variances, and special exceptions to the zoning ordinance. When land‑use proposals do not meet zoning requirements, the BZA considers the facts and determines whether the variance should be granted. Five members serve on the board—three citizen members and two members who also sit on the Plan Commission. Each member must be a Yorktown resident and may not hold another municipal office.
Meeting schedule. The BZA meets as needed on the third Wednesday of the month at 5:00 PM at Town Hall.
Current members. The 2025 roster lists Katie Nixon (President), Sarah Journay (Secretary), Jerry Hoffman (Vice President and Plan Commission member), Dan MacDonald (Plan Commission member), and Brian Shrieve. Members serve four‑year terms and are appointed by the Town Council President.
Parks Advisory Board
Purpose and duties. This board guides the development and maintenance of Yorktown’s park system. It recommends park policies, plans capital improvements for the town’s parks and recreation facilities, and organizes festivals and park‑related events. Four members are appointed by the Town Council President and one member is appointed by the Yorktown School Board. No more than two members may belong to the same political party, and terms are four years.
Meeting schedule. The Parks Advisory Board meets as needed on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 6:00 PM at Town Hall.
Current members. The board’s 2025 roster includes Spencer Rutherford (President), Mark Darrall (Vice President), Kat Blankenbaker (Secretary), Jonathan Mize, and Ashley Gillespie (school board appointee).
Redevelopment Commission
Purpose and duties. The Redevelopment Commission guides rehabilitation, redevelopment and economic development projects. Its primary tool is the creation of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts to capture taxes from new development and fund infrastructure improvements. The commission has been instrumental in the Downtown Smith Street project, the foot bridge over Buck Creek and the Downtown Yorktown Facade Grant Program. The commission consists of six members: three appointed by the Town Council President, two appointed by the Town Council, and one non‑voting appointee from the school board. Terms are one year.
Meeting schedule. Meetings are held as needed on the second Thursday of each month at 4:00 PM at Town Hall.
Current members. The January 2025 roster lists Michael Harless (President), Jeff Tingler (Vice President), Rachel Nixon (Secretary), Mark Sturgis, Steve Moore, and Victoria Gasaway (school appointment).
Redevelopment Commission
Purpose and duties. These volunteers work to guide redevelopment projects and economic initiatives in Yorktown. Contact Town Hall if you need to speak with the Redevelopment Commission or have questions about its activities. The Yorktown Redevelopment Commission consists of five voting members and one non‑voting member. Three members are appointed by the president of the Town Council, two are appointed by the Town Council, and a non‑voting representative is appointed by the school board. Terms are for one year, with the roster last updated on January 17 2025.
Meeting schedule. The commission meets as needed.
For 2025 the commission is chaired by Michael Harless, with Jeff Tingler serving as vice‑president and Rachel Nixonas secretary; the other voting members are Mark Sturgis and Steve Moore, and Victoria Gasaway serves as the non‑voting school representative.
These volunteers work to guide redevelopment projects and economic initiatives in Yorktown. Contact Town Hall if you need to speak with the Redevelopment Commission or have questions about its activities.
Architectural Review Board (ARB)
Purpose and duties. The ARB is responsible for protecting and enhancing the appearance of Yorktown’s downtown. Under the town’s zoning ordinance, the ARB’s duties include reviewing, hearing and approving or denying all applications for Downtown Development permits and adopting rules for hearing these cases. The board may exercise additional powers as permitted by Indiana law. The ARB operates as a committee of the Plan Commission and must consist of three members of the Plan Commission; no more than one member may be from the Town Council. Members serve one‑year terms.
Meeting schedule. The ARB meets on an as‑needed basis, typically when downtown development applications are filed. Meetings are usually held at Town Hall. For the most current schedule, consult the town’s agendas and minutes.
Current members. For 2025, the ARB includes Nanci Perry, Dan MacDonald, and Trevor Oetting.
Economic Development Commission
Purpose and duties. Established under Indiana Code (IC 36‑7‑11.9 and 36‑7‑12), the Economic Development Commission (EDC) oversees the town’s Department of Economic Development. Its goal is to finance and promote industrial and commercial projects that create jobs and expand Yorktown’s economic base. The commission may issue revenue bonds to support projects and recommend incentives such as tax abatements. The EDC consists of three members with staggered terms: one appointed by the Town Council President (three‑year term), one by the Delaware County Council (one‑year term), and one by the Town Council (two‑year term). The commission meets as needed; contact the Town Manager’s office for meeting dates.
Current members. As of January 2025 the commission includes Steve Moore (Town Council President appointee; term ends Dec. 31 2026), Dan Flanagan (Delaware County Council appointee; term ends Dec. 31 2025), and Nanci Sears Perry (Town Council appointee; term ends Dec. 31 2026).
Police Merit Board
Purpose and duties. The Police Merit Board (also called the Police Merit Commission) ensures fair hiring, promotion and discipline within the Yorktown Police Department. Established by ordinance, the board has five members serving four‑year terms. Two members (from different political parties) are elected by the sworn police officers, one member is appointed by the Town Council, and two members (from different parties) are appointed by the Town Council President. The board adopts rules governing examinations and promotional procedures and hears disciplinary appeals.
Meeting schedule. Meetings are held as needed at Town Hall; agendas and minutes are posted on the town’s website. Questions may be directed to the Yorktown Police Department.
Current members. The January 2025 roster lists Jeff Wulff (police department appointee), Walter “Butch” Blackmer (police department appointee), Juli Metzger (appointed by Town Council President), Dr. Jan Kornilow (appointed by Town Council President), and Alvie Sargent (appointed by Town Council).
How to Participate
Citizens are encouraged to attend meetings, volunteer for vacancies and provide input. Meeting agendas and minutes for each board are posted on the Agendas & Minutes section of YorktownIndiana.org. Contact the Town Manager’s office (765‑759‑4003) or Town Hall (765‑759‑8521) for more information about serving on a board or commission, or to verify meeting dates and times.