The Borough of Northampton is attempting to jump start the development of its proposed uptown minipark.

It is doing so by submitting grant proposals to the state and for casino gaming proceeds.

At its most recent meeting, borough council approved the filing of an application with the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development to develop the proposed minipark lot.

The application seeks between $50,000 and $70,000. A resolution adopted by borough lawmakers gives permission to borough planning consultant Victor Rodite to apply for funding which would come from casino proceeds in Monroe County.

Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski Sr., who serves on the minipark committee with Councilman Anthony Pristash, said ideas being discussed by the committee include a gazebo and pavers for a walkway. What actually is built will depend on the outcome of grant applications.

The borough acquired the land for the project earlier this year from Brian Kroope, whose parents years ago had a dry goods store on the site. A building which used to stand on the site was destroyed by fire.

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In other business, council gave its consent to the AARP Tax-Aide organization to use the multipurpose room at the borough recreation center on Lerchenmiller Drive. The group offers free assistance to seniors filing their tax returns. Organization representatives will be at the center on Mondays, 8:30 a.m. to noon, Feb. 1 through April 14.

Also at the meeting, council adopted a policy recommended by borough Manager Gene Zarayko.

"As part of the CDBG program, it is now required that we adopt a policy protecting individuals engaged in nonviolent civil rights demonstrations," Zarayko said. "This is a new requirement in order to participate and receive CDBG funding."

Another resolution was adopted by council setting the contribution rate police department employees make to the police pension fund for 2014. The borough will contribute $28,398 with the police contribution rate set at 8 percent.