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Freetown pauses vote on pantry lease extension after conflict of interest reduces quorum
Summary
A request from the Freetown Regional Food Pantry to extend a facility license so it can meet a grant deadline was put on hold after a board member recused, leaving the board without a quorum to vote; the pantry said a grant requires evidence of a five‑year lease by July 1.
FREETOWN — The Board of Selectmen put a license‑extension request from the Freetown Regional Food Pantry on hold after a conflict of interest reduced the board’s quorum.
A representative for the food pantry told the board that Senator Mike Rogers had helped reopen a grant opportunity but that the grant required documentation showing at least a five‑year lease to support planned improvements. The speaker said materials must be submitted by July 1 to remain eligible for the grant.
During discussion one board member disclosed that they and their spouse serve on the pantry board and recused themselves from voting. With that recusal the board determined it did not have a quorum and could not vote on the item at the meeting. Members discussed options including scheduling a special virtual meeting or ratifying a vote later, and staff said they would attempt to arrange an expedited meeting so the pantry can meet the grant deadline.
Because the matter was not voted on, the license extension remains pending.
