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Special Session 1079, !,~inutes June 26, 1974 Page 5 trial, and felt that something should be done to reduce the backlog. City l{anager Henry said that the administrative forces are aware of the importance of a speedy trial, and a considerable sum has been budgeted and have in- creased the number of days by one day a month since last year's budget and this has worked out well, particularly with the Housing cases. Mr. Sheehan, Acting City Attorney, indicated that additional court sessions are needed, however. Discussion continued. Mayor Kaufman suggested that the Judge be asked for a recommendation, and if it is found that more funds are necessary they can be taken out of Contingency. Councilman Lieberman said he would like a report on the reasons for the back- log and a recommendation of the court on how to reduce this backlog to a reasonable number. Councilman Lieberman inquired whether changes were made in the Budget on the revised street lighting cost and this was explained by the City Manager, who pointed out that most of the figure is the carrying over. On the matter of the Community Schools' request for an additional. $10,000 over and above what was in the Budget, Councilman Lieberman felt this should be discussed inasmuch as the Community Schools Council did appear on this issue. The City Manager explained that the Budget does not provide for an additional $10,000. Councilman Woods pointed out that in Mr. Dean's report (Director of Human Resources) it indicates that a sizeable amount of money, which the Community Schools feel is needed, could conceivably be obtained through the East-West Gateway Coordinating Council, and she said it is sug- gested that perhaps the present programs should be improved rather than ex- panded. She said she feels a real dissatisfaction with the coordination of all of the outreach services and it is necessary somehow to get a grip on this - there are many programs operating in different ways. She added that she does not mean to discourage the Community School people. During dis- cussion which continued, Councilman Lieberman shared Councilman Woods' con- cern, adding that he recognizes the great contribution by the Community School s program. Mr. Dean answered questions and discussed the matter of the Consultant on Youth program and its relation to the Community Schools program. Councilman Werner inquired as to the rationale behind additions to certain items in the 3560 Account. The City Manager explained that several are carry-overs from last year's Budget, and some relate to the Skating Rink and paving of the parking lot. During discussion, the Mayor pointed out the need for paving the lot. Councilman Werner expressed the view that the Firemen's food allowance in the amount of $4,420 should be deleted. Explaining, he pointed out that all full-time employees have received the same pay increase and the food allow- ance would be an additional benefit to the Firemen, and he could see no basis or justification for it. Further, he observed that University City Firemen are paid as well as most Firemen in other cities. He thereupon moved that the amount of $4,420 not be added to the Budget. Motion was seconded by Councilman Lieberman. City Manager Henry, however, did not feel that this should be done and he strongly recommended that the food allowance be retained. He explained that it is for the actual food which the Firemen eat while on duty and, in addition~ they must contribute to the food fund. He said the allowance has not been increased for several years; some other communities also provide foDd