Northampton County Council met May 18 to approve $1 million of livable landscape grants.

The livable landscape grants program aims to protect the “county’s natural features by assisting municipalities and organizations to acquire, restore and enhance permanently protected lands to conserve natural resources and provide outdoor recreation for future generations.”

Moore Township was awarded $47,500 to put toward professional services to create a comprehensive parks, recreation and open space plan.

There was $75,000 awarded to Hellertown and Wilson boroughs to implement the first phase of a passive recreation park and reconstruct tennis and pickleball courts.

The city of Easton received a $187,500 grant to acquire 1.2 acres of land for future urban park and regional trailhead development, with the potential for trail connections.

In other business, council will vote on an amendment to the code of ethics, regarding a gift ban, at a future meeting.

The amendment states, “No county employee or official shall accept or solicit cash or cash equivalent, a gift or other item of more than de minimis value or admission to a recreational event,” among other items, with limited exceptions.

Limited exceptions, as detailed by the amendment, include ordinary social hospitality, plaques, certificates or similar items, food or refreshments of de minimis value and unsolicited promotional items, such as pens, notepads, mugs and calendars.