From the Marion selectmen’s meeting, Tuesday Aug. 5:

    Town Treasurer Gary Carreiro updated selectmen on efforts to collect overdue taxes on four parcels which will soon enter foreclosure proceedings. Carreiro said a tax title attorney has been contacted and will pursue the overdue taxes and accumulated interest in Land Court. Carreiro indicated he anticipates notice from Land Court in September or October, and that once notice is received the owners will have one year to redeem the properties or the properties will be turned over to the town. The four parcels represent a total of $201,100 in back taxes and interest owed the town.
Taxes on a fifth parcel due to enter foreclosure were paid in full July 29, adding $23,250 to the town’s coffers.
Marion Affordable Housing Trust Chairman Reg Foster, Ed Fish from EA Fish Associates (which holds the winning bid on Little Neck’s expansion), and a team from Fish Associates presented a brief introduction of Fish Associates and a brief overview of the $7.5 million winning bid proposal.
    Among the aspects of the age-restricted affordable housing proposal that were highlighted:  three, single floor one bed cottage style buildings; one, two floor thirty unit building, and a 2,000 square-foot  community building that includes a foyer, kitchen and living room, and offers on the exterior a terrace, and gazebo. Also highlighted were easily accessed parking, ample side walks, and community gardens.
Fish indicated that along with his team he would be working with current Little Neck residents to address any concerns they may have.
    Selectmen approved reappointments for committees and boards effective through June 30, 2009.
    Town Administrator Paul Dawson told selectmen that Marion resident Leonard Cook had contacted the town to offer his assistance should the town choose to participate in a Community Rating System program. The program allows residents and the town, through an accumulation of points in a compliance program to earn reductions on their insurance. Per the suggestion of Board Chair Jonathan Henry, Cook will be invited to speak about the program at an upcoming selectmen meeting.
    Dawson reported progress has been made on preparation of employee evaluation forms. He expects to make a formal presentation of the forms at the Aug. 19 selectmen meeting.
    Selectmen set Sept. 22 as the date for Fall Special Town Meeting. The warrant will be close on Aug. 19 at the selectmen meeting. The meeting has been scheduled a month earlier than normal in order to accommodate the Marion Affordable Housing Trust's timetable for Little Neck Village. The Little Neck proposal must receive Town Meeting approval in September in order for fall funding applications to be submitted within the required time frame.
    Selectman Roger Blanchette asked if the boardcould submit a zoning change article for the special town meeting that would allow John Ludes more leeway in the use of his Village Center Hiller Street property. Dawson said that would constitute spot zoning which is not allowed under Massachusetts law.

    Selectmen discussed zoning constraints within the Village and then asked Dawson to send a memo to the planning board indicating that they support the concept of a neighborhood overlay district for the village as well as the area of Route 6 currently under discussion for an overlay district.