Sayreville council honors departing members Daniel Bala and Donna Roberts

The Sayreville mayor and borough council on Dec. 8 honored two departing members, presenting tokens and public remarks recognizing Councilman Daniel Bala’s service on finance and Council President Donna Roberts’s six years of leadership.

Council President opened the presentations and introduced a commemorative token for Daniel Bala “for his efforts over the last three years on behalf of the Borough,” citing his mentoring of newer members and stewardship on the budget. Councilwoman Mary Novak, who worked with Bala on the budget committee, praised his “knowledge of finances” and urged him to “consider coming back at some time.” Bala thanked colleagues and residents and said he looked forward to the next chapter, adding he would remain a resident of Sayreville.

Later the council presented Donna Roberts with flowers and remarks noting her work to increase transparency and organize departmental records. The mayor said Roberts had “led with fairness and steadiness,” and colleagues highlighted her role as council president and her long-standing community ties. Roberts told the council she had been honored to serve and thanked residents and staff for their support.

Several members of the public used the meeting’s public-comment period to pay tribute as well. Resident Randy Prescrow called the council’s work “a service…no less important than what our servicemen do,” and Jim Robinson and others praised Bala and Roberts for independent judgment on planning and budget matters.

The council’s recognitions were procedural and ceremonial; no formal policy action was taken as part of these presentations. The meeting continued into routine business, including roll-call votes to approve consent resolutions and personnel appointments.