Response to Proposals for City Administration in February 2023

• Response to Proposals for City Administration (February 2023) (PDF 301.7KB)

1. Matters Related to City Administration

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2. Health, Medical Care, Welfare, and Parenting

No.	Response Date	Title	Contents	Response	Response Section
1	2nd	About Infant Health Checkups	I received my child's 3-4 month health checkup at the Health Center, but I had trouble because there was no diaper changing space. I felt it would be good to have a nursing room that also allows for diaper changes. Many people were coming for the health checkup, and there were moments during the doctor's examination when I felt quite rushed while talking. Also, even though it was a cold winter period, I was instructed to undress my baby’s upper body in the hallway and wait. I understand that this is unavoidable, but as a first-time parent, I was quite anxious, and I think I couldn't fully resolve my worries due to the rush. I believe the staff at the Health Center are busy, but I felt that a smaller group approach would allow for more time and attention for each individual, which would be reassuring. Additionally, I was informed that due to the limited parking, it is recommended to refrain from coming by car. However, to be honest, there are people for whom it is difficult to come without a car due to limited bus and train options. If possible, I felt that improving the parking facilities would make it easier to use.	We apologize for any inconvenience caused in using the Health Center. First, we recognize that the lack of a diaper changing space within the Health Center is a facility issue, and we will consider improvement measures to ensure that you can use the facility safely and with peace of mind. Additionally, the doctors responsible for examinations during Infants and Young Children health check-ups are cooperating with the health check-up operations while conducting regular medical examinations. We would appreciate your understanding and cooperation regarding the limited number of health check-ups and time under the current system. Finally, Inagi City is determining priority projects throughout the city within a limited budget, and we recognize that the proposal for parking lot improvements is a future issue. At the Parent and Child Comprehensive Support Center, we will continue to strive to support users so that you can raise your children with peace of mind.	Health Division Parent and Child Comprehensive Support Center Section
2	2nd	Usage fees for the pool at Owens Health Plaza	Currently, the usage fee for the pool at Owens Health Plaza is set for a usage time of 2 hours, but I would like to request the establishment of a 1-hour usage slot with a lower fee.	Regarding the pool at Owens Health Plaza, since its establishment as a health promotion facility, we have set the usage time to 2 hours with the aim of allowing all users to safely utilize the facility. During this time, we have ensured that users can comfortably and safely engage in a series of activities including check-in, changing, sufficient warm-up exercises, pool usage, showering, and changing. Additionally, for those who may feel cold in the pool, we have included time to warm up in the warming room, jacuzzi, and bath, allowing for a relaxed experience without haste. At this time, we are not considering shortening the usage time. Owens Health Plaza is utilized by a wide range of age groups, from families with small children to Older Adults. We understand that there may be different needs depending on the age group, but we kindly ask for your understanding that the time setting has been considered to ensure that everyone can safely use the facility.	Health Division Health Promotion Section
3	2nd	About Children's Playgrounds	We often use Children's Centers both inside and outside the city. At a recently opened Children's Center outside the city, the staff play with the children even when I bring three kids, and they can use drawing paper without restrictions, which makes the children satisfied and happy. We hope that Inagi City will also enhance children's play areas.	Facilities that serve as "play areas for children" where infants and young children to high school students can freely visit and use include five Children's Centers and the Children and Youth area of i Plaza in the city. These facilities are operated according to the characteristics of their respective regions and are equipped with play equipment tailored to the needs of users. Currently, regarding the Children's Centers, we are promoting extended opening hours, events using satoyama, and experiential activities through the introduction of private sector vitality due to privatization, and we will continue to strive to enhance the environment, so we appreciate your understanding.	Child Welfare Department Children and Youth Division Children's Center / After-School Childcare Program Section
4	2nd	Support Programs for Childbirth and Parenting	I would like to request cash benefits for childbirth and Parenting support projects. I have received a catalog gift (point exchange) from a Tokyo project, but I feel that it is not user-friendly.	The childbirth and parenting support project provides consistent and accessible consultation from the pregnancy period through childbirth and parenting, enhancing a supportive consultation system that connects necessary assistance tailored to various needs, along with implementing economic support as a whole. In Inagi City, preparations are currently underway for the launch of this system. In this context, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has presented the following considerations regarding economic support. "Benefits through coupons and similar means can be limited to parenting purposes, and by setting an expiration date, they are more likely to lead to consumption. On the other hand, cash benefits are not restricted in their use and may not necessarily be spent on parenting-related purposes, which could lead to savings rather than consumption. Therefore, it is believed that the policy significance of cash benefits, compared to benefits through coupons, is diminished in terms of facilitating the purchase of childbirth and childcare-related products (omitted). It is also considered that, if preparations for coupon distribution cannot be completed in time, the option of implementing cash benefits at the discretion of local governments should not be ruled out, but it is hoped that benefits through coupons will be provided as much as possible." In light of the above circumstances, we are currently considering the feasibility of benefits through coupons and similar means, and we will announce the details on the city website and other platforms as soon as they are determined. Thank you for your understanding.	Health Division Parent and Child Comprehensive Support Center Section
5	17th	Income Restrictions for Child Medical Expenses Assistance	It has been said that medical expense assistance for high school students will begin, but I would like the income restrictions for children's medical expense assistance to be removed. Why is it that children are distinguished based on their parents' income? I feel that this goes against the national direction.	The medical expense assistance system for high school students and others is a new system established by Tokyo Metropolitan Government as part of its welfare measures to support parenting, starting from the fiscal year 2023. The metropolitan government has set certain income limit amounts. If medical expenses are to be subsidized for those who exceed the income limit set by the metropolitan government, the city will bear the full cost, so each city needs to consider this in light of various priorities and financial situations regarding different challenges. The mayors' association, composed of 26 cities in the Tama area of Tokyo, is requesting the metropolitan government to abolish income limits so that all children living in the metropolitan area can receive medical services equally. We recognize the abolition of income limits for the medical expense assistance system for compulsory education students and high school students as a policy issue, and we ask for your understanding.	Child Care Support Division Allowance Subsidy Section
6	28th	About Nursery Schools in the Minamiyama Area	There are few nursery schools in the Minamiyama area, and the number of children waiting for admission is high. Are there plans for new establishments in the future? I have been waiting for over six months without being able to enroll, and I received a notice that adjustments for the new fiscal year in April are also not possible. I am concerned about the lack of information regarding new nursery schools while new residences are still being constructed.	Regarding admission to Nursery Schools, we hold selection meetings for all children wishing to enroll in April, and admissions are decided fairly starting from those with higher indices. Regarding the expansion of the capacity of Nursery Schools, based on the Inagi City Child and Parenting Support Project Plan and the Childcare Center Development Policy, from fiscal year 2015 to fiscal year 2021, we have promoted the increase of capacity in existing Licensed Childcare Centers and Home Daycare Providers, flexibility in capacity, licensing of Certified Childcare Centers, establishment of employer-led childcare, and transition of Kindergartens to certified children's centers. Additionally, we have opened the Shiroyama Nursery School, Minamiyama Southern Hills Children's Center, Inagi Yanokuchi Kira Nursery School, and Nijiiro Nursery School Yanokuchi, increased the infant capacity due to the privatization of the Sixth Nursery School leading to the establishment of Omaru Yushi Nursery School, and further opened the Hongo Yushi Nursery School due to the privatization of the Second Nursery School, as well as the establishment of Inagi Nozomi Nursery School due to the privatization of the Fourth Nursery School and the establishment of Shiodome Nursery School Inagi due to the privatization of the Third Nursery School, achieving zero waiting children as of April 1, 2021, and April 1, 2022. Therefore, we will continue to respond through the existing Nursery Schools. We appreciate your understanding.	Child Care Support Division Nursery School and Kindergarten Section

3. Community Development and Living Environment

No.	Response Date	Title	Contents	Response	Response Section
1	2nd	About Streetlights	There is a dark T-junction in the Yanokuchi area where you can't see people approaching. I would like the streetlights to be turned on.	I have confirmed the site. We will proceed with preparations to install security lights by the end of March this year.	Maintenance and Repair Section, Management Division
2	2nd	About intersections with poor visibility	The intersection from the road in front of Hongō Yūshi Nursery School's parking lot to Hongō Negata Street is very dangerous because there is no mirror reflecting vehicles coming from the right (Inagi Station direction). Especially towards Inagi Station, the road is an uphill slope, and bicycles often do not slow down when turning right at the intersection, which can be dangerous. Recently, there was a collision accident between bicycles at this intersection. There are also instances where pedestrians almost collide with each other. It is strange that there is a mirror for the left side but not for the right side. We request urgent confirmation and action.	Regarding the curved mirror installed at the requested T-junction, it is placed to ensure visibility because there are street trees and utility poles on the left side that obstruct the view from vehicles. On the right side, the road is wide and unobstructed, providing good visibility, so no mirror is installed there. Additionally, regarding bicycle traffic, failing to stop at a stop sign is considered a traffic violation even for bicycles, so we have requested the Tama Central Police Station to enforce traffic violations.	Traffic Measures Section, Management Division
3	2nd	Regarding the congestion of vehicles turning right from the old Tsurukawa Road near Yanokuchi Intersection	At the Yanokuchi intersection, when turning right from the old Tsurukawa Road to Kawasaki Road by car, if vehicles are lined up at the red light at the Yanokuchi intersection, it becomes difficult to make a right turn, causing left-turning vehicles to wait for a long time. Why is right turn prohibited?	Regarding the traffic regulations such as the prohibition of right turns, they are managed by the Tama Central Police Station, which is the traffic authority. The reason for not prohibiting right turns is that, although there are some vehicles waiting at the traffic signals on Kawasaki Street during commuting hours, for the majority of the time, right turns onto Kawasaki Street can be made without any issues. The city has requested an investigation from the Tama Central Police Station, the traffic authority, regarding the new installation of right turn prohibitions at the intersections you requested, including the congestion situation on the old Tsurukawa Street.	Traffic Measures Section, Management Division
4	6th	About the collection of plastic waste starting from the 5th year of Reiwa	An explanatory meeting is being held, but I believe that more thorough sorting will be necessary than before, so I would like you to have the opportunity to attend the Neighborhood Association executive meeting and receive an explanation.	In preparation for the start of the separated collection of plastic waste from April 2023, we are distributing the "Plastic Waste Separation Guide" to all households along with the city newsletter and the city website, in addition to raising awareness. The separation guide includes explanations using text and illustrations, and a QR code for viewing a video in which city staff clearly explain the purpose of the project, separation methods, and points to note, which was aired in an August 2022 program on Tama Television (official YouTube of Tama Television). We are making efforts to inform and educate citizens in preparation for the start of the project. Additionally, from May to July 2022, we held open houses in 10 districts within the city, with a total of 466 visitors. Currently, we are sequentially holding the second round of open houses from November to February, similar to the first round. Furthermore, we are conducting outreach lectures for groups that have requested them, such as Hirao Elementary School, the Inagi City Association for the Hearing Impaired, and the Omaru Women's Association. Through these awareness activities, we believe that the project has generally been communicated, but we intend to continue holding explanatory meetings as needed in the future.	Living Environment Division Waste and Recycling Section
5	16th	About Route Buses and Highway Buses	The first departure time of the Wakabadai circular bus on Saturdays and Sundays is late, making it impossible to catch the Tokyo Airport Transportation Limousine Bus from Wakabadai Station to Haneda Airport. I would like the first departure to be set a little earlier. Additionally, the Wakabadai circular bus on weekday mornings is almost always late, resulting in many cases of missing train connections at Wakabadai Station. If it is consistently late, I would like the schedule to be adjusted. Furthermore, the Tokyo Airport Transportation Limousine Bus and Keio Bus from Wakabadai Station to Haneda Airport, which have significantly reduced services due to the COVID-19 pandemic, have not resumed operations to this day. Why is that?	Regarding the departure times of the first buses for the Wakabadai circular bus on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as feedback on delays during weekday mornings, the city has communicated this to the bus operating company, Keio Dentetsu Bus Co., Ltd. Additionally, concerning the bus from Wakabadai Station to Haneda Airport, inquiries made to the bus operators, Keio Bus Co., Ltd. and Tokyo Airport Transport Co., Ltd., revealed that there are currently no plans to discontinue this route. The reason for the current suspension is that while the number of users for domestic air routes is increasing, it has not yet translated into an increase in users for the airport bus. However, the city has also requested the bus operators to resume the regular service schedule as soon as possible.	Traffic Measures Section, Management Division
6	17th	Information sign for the square on the south side of Inagi Central Park	The square on the south side of Inagi Central Park is located deep within the residential area, and I think there are people who may not notice it. Could a sign with a park mark be installed around the "Jingo Yato Bridge"?	Regarding the route to the square on the south side of Inagi Central Park, we provide guidance through the "Inagi Walking Map: From Inagi Central Park to Kamiyato Shinsui Park Course" and the "Inagi Stroll: Power Spot Course," and we are making efforts to promote its use for walks and other activities. As for your suggestion to install "signboards with park marks" around the Jingo Yato Bridge, there are currently no plans for installation, but it will be considered as a future issue.	Greenery and Environment Division Greenery and Parks Section

4. Education (Schools and Lifelong Learning)

No.	Response Date	Title	Contents	Response	Response Section
1	6th	About the creation of an exhibition room and a peace materials room in Hirao	We are conducting research on educators connected to Inagi City (Zenryo Kubo, Isamu Omata), and I would like to create an exhibition room at Friend Hirao to promote it more. Also, I am active as a hibakusha from Hiroshima. To protect peace, I am considering establishing a peace materials room at Friend Hirao and occasionally sharing information about peace. What do you think?	The Inagi City Life and Culture Facility Friend Hirao is a facility established based on the Inagi City Life and Culture Facility Ordinance, with the purpose of "promoting citizen exchange activities and community formation, thereby contributing to the improvement of citizen life and the development of culture." It has a total of 13 rooms, including conference rooms and music rooms, which are available for use by registered organizations (as of January 10, 2023, 125 organizations) as a place for citizen activities. Regarding your proposal to "establish an exhibition room," we recognize that public relations for achievements are important; however, we also have many priority issues to address, such as responding to population growth and measures for the declining birthrate and aging population. In the future, we plan to work on public relations through the introduction of digital archives, and we ask for your understanding in this matter. Additionally, regarding your other proposal to "establish a peace materials room," we do not plan to set this up as we cannot allow facility occupation for the expression of opinions by specific organizations. As a city, we are striving to provide opportunities to think about peace through projects related to the Peace City Declaration, such as holding peace panel exhibitions and peace concerts, as well as conducting a haiku contest on peace for junior high school students. In the peace panel exhibition, we are not only displaying panels but also creating a section to introduce citizens' experiences and thoughts on peace, as we did in August 2022. We will continue to work on implementing projects related to the Peace City Declaration, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.	Lifelong Learning Division Lifelong Learning Support Section, Citizen Collaboration Division Collaboration Promotion Section - Community Cultural Facilities In Charge

5. Other Matters

No.	Response Date	Title	Contents	Response	Response Section
1	2nd	About the Local Police Station	Why is there no jurisdictional police station in Inagi City?	In response to the population increase due to the construction plan of Tama New Town in Tokyo, the Tama Central Police Station was established in 1988 based on the decision to split the Hino Police Station and establish a new police station in 1973. As a result, the police station that oversees Inagi City was changed from the Hino Police Station to the Tama Central Police Station. Please understand that the establishment of new police stations is determined by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. Currently, there are no plans for new establishments. On the other hand, the city recognizes the need to expand community-based police boxes and similar facilities to further promote safe and secure community development while steadily advancing urban infrastructure development. The Mayor has been requesting the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, the entity responsible for establishment, every year through methods such as personally handing a request letter to the Chief of the Tama Central Police Station, seeking the realization of large police boxes with a certain scale of system and authority.	General Affairs and Contracts Division General Affairs Section
2	6th	About the Omaru District Community Center Operations	I would like to request the following regarding the Omaru Community Center. Replacement of tables and chairs in the 1st floor hall Installation of the Citizens' Charter and Peace City Declaration Display Board Installation of AED Pruning of the camphor tree next to the entrance Emergency stairs, painting of the bicycle parking roof	Regarding item 1, we will consider replacing it as needed while monitoring the condition of the equipment. Regarding item 2, we will consider our response based on the method of display and the financial situation. Regarding item 3, as public facilities that are frequently used by many citizens, AEDs are installed in City Hall, educational facilities, Hirao Friend, SHIROYAMA EXPERIENCE STUDY INSTITUE, Comprehensive Gymnasium, and various Cultural Centers. Currently, there are no plans to install AEDs in all public facilities. Regarding 4 and 5, we have received requests from the Omaru Neighborhood Association and others every year. However, considering the financial situation and the priority of environmental improvements for the Omaru Community Center, we would like to consider how to respond in the future.	General Affairs and Contracts Division General Affairs Section
3	6th	Regarding the promotion of organic agriculture	How about the city setting up a place to produce organic fertilizer to invigorate agriculture in Inagi and contribute to waste reduction? I hope for the promotion of organic farming.	The city is currently providing subsidies for initiatives aimed at reducing pesticide use, such as the installation of pest mating disruption agents and predatory mite preparations, as well as efforts to reduce the frequency of pesticide applications. Additionally, in the urban agriculture promotion project, we are implementing a contracted service for the processing of pruning branches from pears and grapes, among others, and supporting the recycling of these branches into chips for composting instead of disposing of them as waste. Regarding your proposal for organic farming, we believe that it is difficult to cultivate pears and grapes without pesticides. However, we would like to provide support within the city's capacity when local vegetable farmers decide to engage in organic farming.	Economic Affairs Section Agricultural Policy Division
4	16th	About Electricity Bill Subsidies	In response to the recent surge in electricity prices, some local governments are implementing subsidies for electricity costs. Is Inagi City planning such initiatives?	Inagi City is implementing initiatives such as subsidies to support a portion of the rising electricity and gas prices. Below is an introduction to these initiatives. For more details, please inquire at the city website or with the relevant departments. As of January 1, 2023, we are distributing 8,000 yen worth of QUO cards per child (born on or after April 2, 2004) to citizens in parenting households. No application is required. Responsible: Child Care Support Division Allowance Subsidy Section We will provide 50,000 yen to each business operator affected by the rise in electricity and gas prices. The application period is open until March 20. Contact: Economic Affairs Section, Commerce Division For citizens who are households exempt from the Municipal Resident Tax per capita levy, a payment of 50,000 yen per household is provided, and the application period has ended at the end of January. Responsible: Livelihood Welfare Division, Community Welfare Section	Livelihood Welfare Division Community Welfare Section