CLAYPOOL – Longtime Councilman Don Miller said goodbye Monday but promised to stay involved with the town. Miller did not seek re-election this year so Monday was his last council meeting after 18 years of service. He first joined Aug. 8, 1994, when he was appointed to fill a vacancy. Elizabeth Heiman was elected for the open seat in November, and will join Larry Neher, another new council member, and re-elected member Niki Miller in January. Don Miller, a Claypool resident since 1982, thanked the council and the community for their support and for allowing him to serve, and added a pledge to help the town any way he can. He said he may still try to spearhead efforts to replace 15 dead trees along Section Street, such as raising funds toward the $1,600 cost. He was honored with a party after the meeting attended by several residents and town officials. Resident Paul Berkey handed around a T-shirt with “Thank You” printed on the front for everyone to sign. Niki Miller also told Don toward the end of the meeting that he was nominated to carry the state’s bicentennial torch on Claypool’s behalf during the statewide relay in 2016, and is likely to be chosen for the honor. Also Monday, council set a special meeting Dec. 28 at 4 p.m. in the Town Barn to discuss the salary ordinance and try to pass it before the end of the year. It was on the agenda Monday but council members said they want time to compare the 2016 budget with and without a raise for employees.
