PERU — The ad-hoc committee studying uses for the old Peru Elementary School told selectmen Monday night that it plans to present a proposal to the University of Maine System to lease the space for a community college.

Committee member Anne Stickney and Nick Waugh indicated that in many respects the vacant building is ideal for the university’s use. The only drawback is it is not located in Rumford, where so many live, Stickney said.

She said the committee plans to present the university with a “proposal that shows the glass half full, not half empty.”

The s proposal will cover the cost of modifications and maintenance needed to make the property acceptable to the university. They include replacement of the elevator and modification of the roof. It is unclear whether the State Fire Marshal will require a sprinkler system be installed.

In other matters, Marie Eastman said the Regional School Unit 10 School Committee will begin its budget-setting work Feb. 14. The system will be losing $1.8 million in federal funding.

Selectmen agreed they should attend the school budget informational meeting in May.

The board approved a request by the New England Performance Rally to use the Dickvale/Concord Pond Road for its annual New England Forest Rally on Friday, July 15.

Selectman Rick Vaughn expressed displeasure that last year ATVs were prohibited from the area. He said that since ATVs can be parked off the road they helped alleviate the parking problem for those who wished to observe the race.

Vaughn, who works on the town road crew, suggested that the town could save money if it used a credit or debit card for small incidental purchases.

Selectman Edward Ferland told of an incident where a quantity of bolts had been purchased from a business where the town had an account rather than from a cheaper source that would have accepted a card.

Town Clerk Vera Parent will investigate the feasibility of getting a town card.

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