Residents press council on member residency and call for enforcement of municipal code

During the Jan. 13 privilege‑of‑the‑floor period, several residents raised allegations about a councilmember’s residency and urged the Common Council to act. Speakers cited municipal code and state law and called on the council either to press the member to resign or to expel the member under the legislative body’s authority.

Multiple speakers, including Logan Foster and Sarah Foster (both of 1138 College Street), said a sworn statement or deposition shows Councilmember Sharon McBride admitted living with her mother since September 2020 and therefore not meeting the municipal residency requirement. Logan Foster cited the municipal code provision that “shall have resided in such district for the last 6 months preceding the general election,” and said Indiana Code 36‑4‑6‑6 gives the legislative body authority to expel a member. Foster said McBride’s admission under oath created either a vacancy or a perjury concern.

Sarah Foster urged the council to “take action and hold council member McBride accountable” and said failure to act would undermine public trust. Other speakers raised related governance concerns and referenced the council’s oath of office. City officials interjected in at least one instance to advise that removal of a council member is not within the immediate jurisdiction of the council in that manner, but speakers maintained that the municipal code and Indiana statute authorize the legislative body to expel a member for misconduct.

Council President Lee did not announce formal council action on those allegations during the meeting. The transcript records no formal motion to investigate or to refer the matter; residents said they may pursue legal remedies if the council does not act. The council’s agenda did not include a personnel or ethics investigation on Jan. 13, and no vote or referral was recorded.