In a unanimous vote during its May 18 meeting, Northampton County Council approved a new $6 million food service contract at the jail with GD Correctional Services. The contract is for a period of three years, with two one-year extensions. GD, the food service provider at nine other penal institutions, was selected as the low bidder among four firms submitting proposals.

Though $6 million is a lot of money, Corrections Director Dan Keen told council that it comes down to $1.30 per meal per inmate. That’s less money than the $1.42 per meal currently being paid and is less than the $1.40 proposed by the next highest proposal. It’s also a 2,900-calorie diet, an increase over the current 2,500.

Keen said GD has a “good meal selection,” and added it is “very important to have a good meal for the inmates.” Keen stated after the meeting that nutritionists will prepare diets for people with food allergies or special needs.

Keen admitted that there is food loaf, but it is only given to inmates who are disciplinary problems. A food loaf is made of rice, raw potatoes, carrots, cabbage and oatmeal. The loaf has been replaced by the Pa. Department of

Corrections prisons by a more balance meal delivered in a paper bag to as a disciplinary action for deserving inmates.

In other business, council unanimously approved seven open space grants for projects at municipal parks. Matt Dietz and his open space committee reviewed each request and recommended approval.

Bushkill Twp.: $45,256 for a stone trail around a fishing pond at Heintzelman Park, located along West Beil Avenue and High Street. The grant also includes a parking facility, landscaping, signage and other park amenities.

Roseto: $14,435.89 for the rehabilitation of Roseto Park. This includes the relacement of park benches and a concrete walkway.

Tatamy: $20,202.53 for the construction and extension of Tatamy Trail, including a pavilion,picnic tables, benches and landscaping.

Bangor: $21,884.54 for the opening of a road access to Market Street from Eisenhart Blvd at Memorial Park.

Washington Twp.: $58,221.09 for improvements at Washington Tp Recreation Complex that include a dog park and a disc golf course.

Bethlehem Twp.: $86,779.50 to replace the playground at Comer Park, including safety surfacing around the playground.

Palmer Twp.: $347,473.42 for natural sod athletic field at the Chrin Community Center, together with parking sidewalks and a new western entrance.