Geary County Commission Chair Trish Giordano has confirmed that officials have learned unofficially that no air quality issues were found in the Montgomery Building where the Convention & Visitor's Bureau has been housed. "We're waiting on an official report. I did mention to the other commissioners that I feel that if there are no issues located with extensive testing that we've done that the CVB can move back into the Montgomery Building ( 222 West 6th Street ) but we will check with workman's comp and see what they say."
CVB staff moved to a temporary location in the Geary County Office Building conference room in April after it was noted that employees were experiencing irritation in their nose, mouth and throat area. Testing done by ISI of Wichita has not found any problems pertaining to carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, mold or any chemical stemming from carpet that is stored in the building.
The County is currently advertising for a new CVB director. Giordano commented that officials next week will start setting up interviews. Former director Michelle Stimatze resigned to take a job with the Geary County Public Works Department but is providing limited help for five hours per week on financial voucher paperwork for the CVB.
Giordano also confirmed that Rick Dykstra has been appointed to the CVB Advisory Committee. She said that Dykstra has extensive knowledge in tourism and will be an asset to the board. "He's also commented that he would volunteer 10-15 hours a week just to help out the day to day operations, answer any questions that he can and try to keep things going as normal as possible. " Dykstra is a former CVB employee, and also does contract work with Acorns Resort. "So he is qualified to serve on the CVB per statute...the CVB Board, said Giordano.