Discussion over the future use of the old West Tisbury police station building continued this week as the selectmen worked to develop a lease for the town-owned property situated on the Mill Pond.

The building committee charged with exploring uses for the space has recommended the town lease it to a nonprofit, town administrator Jennifer Rand said.

But on Wednesday, board chairman Cynthia Mitchell said she did not think it was a good idea to limit lease applicants to strictly nonprofit organizations, and that the board should instead focus on leasing it out to an organization that promotes public welfare and benefits the community financially.

“Is there a way that we can do both?” Jeffrey (Skipper) Manter 3rd asked.

“Yes. But, if you’re going to do both you still have to define what type of public purpose you’re going to meet,” Ms. Rand answered, adding that it would be difficult for her to write the request for proposals (RFP). “I don’t know how to write the RFP. I don’t know what you’re trying to accomplish,” she said.

Little has been done since their last meeting on July 30 when Ms. Rand asked selectmen to identify a purpose for the building to move along the RFP needed to jump start the lease process. Selectman Richard Knabel said he would draft an RFP for the board to review.

Earlier at the meeting, Ms. Rand told selectmen that the propane furnace needs to be replaced. She estimated the cost between $6,000 and $10,000, and said there was no money in the town budget to finance it.

Mr. Manter agreed to ask the finance committee for a reserve fund transfer next month.

Special election deadlines were announced to fill the position of town moderator previously held by the late F. Patrick Gregory. The deadline for filing papers with the registrar is Sept. 16 and the deadline to file papers with the clerk is Sept. 30. The last day to object or withdraw is Oct. 2. The last day to register to vote in the special election is Oct. 15, and the last day to post the warrant is Oct. 28. Polling will take place on the same day as state and federal elections, on Nov. 4. Papers are available from the town clerk.

Selectmen cancelled their meeting for next week because of the annual Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair, which opens Thursday.

“We’ll see you at the fair,” Mr. Manter announced.

“Not me. I will be away,” Mr. Knabel said.

“Want me to get you a poster and a T-shirt?” Mr. Manter asked.

“Sure,” he answered.