Northampton Borough Council on Thursday established a municipal park acquisition and development program.

The approved program is part of a bond issue that will match county funds to help defray the costs of specific projects.

"As part of our new bond, we are borrowing funds to replace playground equipment at three parks and also to purchase the property located on Smith Lane. The county has matching funds available," said borough Manager Gene Zarayko.

Borough lawmakers decided to enact the resolution for establishing the new program because the cost to the borough is less with county grant funding, he said.

In other business at the council meeting, Schnecksville Fire Company, which sponsors an annual fair, was given permission to utilize the borough's band trailer June 17-22. Zarayko said the stage the fire company had previously used was damaged by Hurricane Sandy.

"They are a tax-exempt group and I recommend that we only charge a setup and delivery fee," Zarayko said.

Hanover Township was also given approval to use the borough band trailer for its carnival May 16-18. Zarayko said the borough for years has lent the township the trailer.

"They send their own truck to pick it up and return it. No fees have been charged in the past," the borough manager said.

Councilman Ed Pany said loaning the band trailer benefits the borough by fostering intergovernmental cooperation. Plus, the Borough of Northampton's name is prominently displayed on the band trailer at the public performances.

Also during the meeting, council approved the following:

· A request from the fire department to use the municipal park and band trailer for its annual Spring Thaw Rendezvous Saturday, May 4. The rain date will be Sunday, May 5. The event, which draws hundreds of bikers and motorcycles, is a major fundraiser for the fire department.

· A request from the Northampton Exchange Club to use the band trailer during its annual Community Days celebration July 1-13 at the municipal park.

· A request from the Exchange Club to set Oct. 24 as the date for the annual Jack Frost Parade. The rain date will be Oct. 31, the same evening as trick-or-treat night.