Structure and Membership
Yorktown operates under a council–manager form of government in which legislative authority rests with a seven‑member Town Council. Five seats are elected from individual council districts and two members serve at‑large, ensuring both neighborhood and town‑wide representation. Members serve staggered four‑year terms, with elections held every two years for alternating seats. At the start of each year the council elects a President and Vice President from among its members to preside over meetings and represent the council at official functions. As of January 2025 the council consists of:
- Jason Gasaway, President, District 1 (term expires 12/31/2028)
- Nanci Perry, Vice President, District 2 (term expires 12/31/2028)
- Marta Guinn, District 5 (term expires 12/31/2028)
- Chris Greene, District 3 (term expires 12/31/2028)
- Carolyn Gant, At‑Large (term expires 12/31/2026)
- Nicole Rector, District 4 (term expires 12/31/2026)
- Bryan Smith, At‑Large (term expires 12/31/2026)
Vacancies that occur mid‑term are filled by appointment. In addition to their legislative duties, council members sit on or appoint citizens to a variety of boards and commissions—including the Parks Advisory Board, Redevelopment Commission, Redevelopment Authority, Board of Zoning Appeals, Planning Commission, Architectural Review Board, Economic Development Commission and Police Merit Board—ensuring resident oversight of key community functions.
Role and Responsibilities
The Town Council serves as the primary policymaking body for Yorktown. Council responsibilities include:
- Adopting ordinances and resolutions that create local laws, set public policy and regulate land use, public safety, environmental issues and other community matters.
- Approving the annual municipal budget, setting tax rates and fees, and authorizing long‑term bonds or capital projects.
- Oversight of town administration, including hiring the Town Manager, reviewing departmental reports and ensuring that public works, public safety and other services meet community standards.
- Land use and development approvals, such as zoning changes and subdivision plats, through coordination with the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals.
- Representation and constituent services, listening to residents’ concerns and serving as a conduit between the public and municipal staff. Council members are often a part of other community organizations and can advocate for residents’ interests.
Meetings and Public Participation
Regular Town Council meetings are typically held at Yorktown Town Hall (9312 W Smith St.) on the third Monday of each month. A work session begins at 5:30p followed by the formal meeting at 6:00p. Meeting agendas are posted in advance on the town website’s Agendas & Minutes section, and minutes and ordinances are archived there for public review. Special meetings may be called as needed, and public hearings are scheduled for matters such as budget adoption, zoning changes and annexations.
Residents are welcome and encouraged to attend council meetings. Public comment periods allow citizens to address the council on agenda items or raise other community issues. Requests for action—such as petitioning for an ordinance change, asking for a street improvement or seeking clarification on a policy—can also be submitted in writing to the Clerk‑Treasurer’s office or emailed to council members. By understanding the Town Council’s structure and functions, residents can better engage with local government and help shape Yorktown’s future.
How the Town Council Serves You
The Town Council’s mission is to maintain Yorktown’s high quality of life while planning for growth and fiscal responsibility. Council actions impact local roads, utilities, parks, police and fire protection, economic development and environmental stewardship. Residents can stay informed and become involved by:
- Attending council meetings or watching video recordings when available.
- Reviewing agendas, minutes and ordinances on the town website.
- Contacting council members directly—email addresses are available in the links on their names above.
- Serving on a board or commission when vacancies arise.
- Providing feedback during public hearings or comment periods.
Oversight of Boards and Commissions
While the council exercises legislative authority, it also appoints members to several boards and commissions that handle specialized tasks:
- Redevelopment Commission and Redevelopment Authority guide economic development and financing of infrastructure projects.
- Board of Zoning Appeals hears variance and special‑use requests.
- Planning Commission reviews subdivision plats, site plans and comprehensive plan amendments.
- Architectural Review Board ensures development in designated districts meets design standards.
- Economic Development Commission promotes business growth and job creation.
- Police Merit Board handles hiring, promotion and disciplinary matters for the police department.
- Parks Advisory Board longterm strategic advisement of park facilities.
Through these appointments the council broadens citizen participation and maintains checks and balances on municipal decision‑making.