LEWISTON – A newly minted study group has until February to come up with possible uses for the Bates Mill building No. 5.

Mayor Larry Gilbert announced his appointees to a 15-member task force Tuesday. The group will study potential uses for the building and the costs associated with them, and report back to city councilors next year.

Appointees include Lewiston and Auburn residents, business leaders, elected officials from Auburn and Androscoggin County, as well as developers.

Lincoln Jeffers, assistant to the city administrator, said the group has not scheduled a meeting.

“But I expect to meet with them soon to get the ball rolling,” he said.

The massive building is the last part of the Bates Mill Enterprise Complex the city still owns. The site has been considered for a convention center for years, but nothing has happened. The city continues to spend $400,000 per year in maintenance costs, according to city officials.

The city set aside $3 million in the 2009 capital improvements plan to pay for demolition of the building.

Bates Mill Building No. 5 Task force

Eric Agren, Lewiston resident

Richard Alpert, Lewiston resident

Michael Carey, Lewiston resident

Daniel Cote, Lewiston resident

Luke Lazure, Lewiston resident

Paul Robinson, Lewiston resident

Jennifer Williams, Lewiston resident

John Milo, Historic Preservation Reserve Board

Rachel Desgrosseilliers, Museum LA

Peter Trail, Chamber of Commerce

Lucien Gosselin, Growth Council

Elmer Berry, Androscoggin County

Bob Hayes, Auburn city councilor

Tom Platz, developer

Jonathan Labonte, Auburn resident