13 October 2026 NBCJMA Board Meeting Summary
Property Sale Extension, Financial Decisions & Sewer Operations
The Newtown Bucks County Joint Municipal Authority (NBCJMA), also known as the Newtown Sewer Authority, convened on October 13, 2026, approving the September meeting minutes, bill payments, and an operating fund transfer. The Board ratified an initial extension and accepted a second addendum extending the property sale due diligence period to December 8, 2026, while approving multiple professional service agreements. Updates were also provided on engineering reviews, collection notices, and field sewer line operations.
The Board voted 6–0 to extend the due diligence deadline for DeLuca Newtown, LLC to December 8, 2026, giving the developer roughly two additional months to present plans to the township.
1. Property Agreement of Sale & Public Comment
- During public comment, resident John Mack asked for clarification regarding the 75-day due diligence period for the property sale agreement. He noted that 75 calendar days from July 28, when the Board approved the agreement, was October 11, whereas 75 business days would fall in November.
- Jessica VanderKam, Esquire, the Authority's solicitor, clarified that the agreement counts calendar days, not business days.
- The Board voted 6–0 to ratify Mr. Shankman's signature on the first amendment to the Lower Dolington Road land sale agreement, extending the due diligence period to the day of the meeting after the previous period had lapsed between scheduled sessions. Related article: Sewer Land Sale: The 75-Day “Due Diligence” Clock Is Ticking.
- The Board unanimously voted 6–0 to approve a second addendum extending the due diligence deadline to December 8, 2026. This grants developer/purchaser DeLuca Newtown, LLC roughly two additional months to present plans to the township while keeping overall approval deadlines intact.
- In response to a public question about escrow, Ms. VanderKam explained that the developer had already posted the required initial deposit. The next deposit is not due until the extended due diligence period expires.
According to page 3 of the agreement, the developer may extend the Approval Period for up to six additional one-month periods at a non-refundable cost of $50,000 per month.
2. Professional Service Agreements & Legal Updates
| Property / Matter | Status or Action |
|---|---|
| DC Lafayette LLC | Professional service agreement unanimously approved. |
| 241 Stoopville Road | Professional service agreement unanimously approved. |
| 535 Penn Street | Professional service agreement unanimously approved. |
| 149 Eagle Road | Professional service agreement held over because the homeowner had not signed and returned it. |
- Bankruptcy matter: Considered resolved for now after the property owner contacted the Authority and agreed to make a deposit for ongoing services.
- Right-to-Know request: A request received during the month was granted an extension, with a full response expected by the end of October.
- Lower Silver Lake Road litigation: Remains ongoing with no new developments. Original owner Jim Worthington claims delayed payment for land by the Authority resulted in lost interest income.
3. Operations & Field Maintenance
- Mainline test and seal program: Scheduled to begin Monday, October 19, focusing on internal joint grouting in borough sewer lines without requiring road detours.
- Vehicle sale: The Authority's used Ford F-150 sold through MuniciBid for $13,650 after 11 bids over 10 days, within the projected budget estimate of $13,000–$15,000.
- Staff training: Three employees completed a 15-hour DEP-certified course covering inflow and infiltration (I&I) studies.
- Lyondale Meadows: The neighborhood on Durham Road added three new connections last month. Work on the Lyondale fourth main extension continues.
- Colonial Commons Pump Station: Upgrade work was delayed because the contractor encountered rock on another job. Work is expected to start around November 15.
- 211 Upper Silver Lake Road: Engineering plans are expected to be approved within the week following receipt of revised plans.
4. Financial Actions & Delinquent Billing
- The Board approved the September 8 meeting minutes and payment of requisitions covering six pages.
- The Board voted 6–0 to transfer $759,684.38 from the trust account into the operating account to cover current expenditures.
- Uncollectible and miscellaneous receipts included administrative fees from closed escrow accounts, reimbursement for cell tower taxes, and an insurance check for a lightning-damaged transfer switch at Eagleton Pump Station.
- Delinquent billing: Ten-day notices are being placed on doors for end-of-summer delinquent accounts. These notices typically result in high collection rates.
- September financials: Performance was reviewed against a target benchmark of 16.6%.
5. Next Steps & Upcoming Dates
| Date / Deadline | Responsible Party & Action |
|---|---|
| October 19, 2026 | Field crew: Begin borough mainline sewer test and seal program. |
| Within one week of meeting | Engineering / staff: Issue approval for revised 211 Upper Silver Lake Road plans. |
| End of October 2026 | Authority: Provide full response to pending Right-to-Know request. |
| November 10, 2026, 3:00 PM | Board: Next public meeting. |
| November 15, 2026 | Contractor: Expected start of Colonial Commons Pump Station upgrade. |
| December 8, 2026 | Developer: Extended due diligence deadline for Lower Dolington Road land sale. |
The extended December 8 due diligence deadline is a key milestone in the proposed sewer authority land sale. Other items to follow include the upcoming engineering approval, collection activity, and the delayed pump station upgrade.
Based on the summary of the October 13, 2026 NBCJMA Board meeting. This is a meeting summary, not official Board minutes.
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