Response to Proposals for City Administration in January 2023

• Response to Proposals for City Administration (January 2023) (PDF 240.1KB)

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	16th	About Child Medical Expenses Assistance	Inagi City has a large number of children, and the number of people moving in is increasing. I was one of them, but due to income restrictions, there is only assistance for medical expenses for preschool children. My family has three children, and during winter, we have more visits due to colds and other illnesses. Additionally, we do not receive Child Allowance, so we are just paying taxes. Isn't it a loss for families like ours? Even if we work, there doesn't seem to be much benefit in Inagi City. I hope Inagi City can create an environment that is easier for Parenting.	The Children's Medical Expenses Subsidy System is institutionalized as part of the welfare measures to support parenting by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which has established certain income limit amounts. In this context, our city has abolished the income limit for the Infants and Young Children Medical Expenses Subsidy System. If the income limit for the Children's Medical Expenses Subsidy System is abolished, the medical expenses for those exceeding the income limit set by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will be fully covered by the city. Therefore, it is necessary to consider this in light of the priority of various issues facing the city and the financial situation. We recognize the abolition of the income limit as a policy issue, and we appreciate your understanding.	Child Care Support Division Allowance Subsidy Section
2	16th	Income Restrictions for Various Parenting Support	I feel that despite paying a large amount of taxes through progressive taxation, such as income restrictions on the Child Allowance and the burden of childcare fees based on income (the higher the income, the greater the burden), we are not receiving equal welfare. The dependent deduction for minors has also been abolished. It is unreasonable that support disappears when one works hard to raise children, and that having more children leads to poverty. Furthermore, why is high school tuition free not only for public schools but also for private schools? Due to income restrictions, it is not possible to borrow interest-bearing scholarships, which limits options for further education.	The Medical Expense Assistance System for children is institutionalized as part of the welfare measures to support Parenting by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which has established certain income limit amounts. In this context, our city has abolished the income limit for the Infants and Young Children Medical Expense Assistance System. Regarding the abolition of the income limit for the Medical Expense Assistance System for high school students, since the medical expenses for those exceeding the income limit set by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will be fully covered by the city, it is recognized as a policy issue that needs to be considered in light of the city's various challenges and financial situation. The city is requesting the abolition of income limits throughout the Tokyo metropolitan area through the Tokyo Mayors' Association, and also through the National Mayors' Association, we are requesting the enhancement of financial support for region-specific initiatives, as well as measures to reduce the economic burden on Parenting households, review of the qualification certification for Child Allowance, relaxation of the income limit for Child Support Allowance, and the establishment of a nationwide uniform Medical Expense Assistance System for children. Regarding the abolition of income limits for various Parenting support measures, we believe it should be implemented as a nationwide uniform system to prevent disparities arising from regional financial situations. We appreciate your understanding.	Child Care Support Division Allowance Subsidy Section
3	16th	Income Restrictions for Maruko (Medical Expenses Subsidy System for Compulsory Education Students)	My husband's income has increased, and due to the income limit of the Maruko (Medical Expenses Assistance System for Compulsory Education Students), the assistance has been discontinued. The living situation has not changed due to rising prices. Even though I am properly paying taxes, the Child Allowance has also been reduced, and the burden of outpatient expenses is significant, leaving me confused. At this rate, I think I might hesitate to go for outpatient care. I would like equal medical expense assistance to be provided at least during the compulsory education period.	The medical expense assistance system for children is institutionalized as part of the welfare measures to support parenting by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which has established certain income limit amounts. In this context, our city has abolished the income limit for the medical expense assistance system for infants and young children. If the income limit for the medical expense assistance system for compulsory education students is abolished, the city will bear the full cost of medical expenses for those who exceed the income limit set by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Therefore, it is necessary to consider this in light of the priority of various issues facing the city and the financial situation. We recognize the abolition of the income limit as a policy issue, and we ask for your understanding.	Child Care Support Division Allowance Subsidy Section
4	17th	Income Restrictions for Medical Expenses Assistance for High School Students and Others	I learned that medical expense assistance for high school students and others will begin in the Inagi Newsletter. While this is a welcome development, there are income restrictions. Households subject to these income restrictions are paying a lot in taxes due to progressive taxation, yet they are unable to receive multiple forms of assistance due to income limits, resulting in reduced disposable income.	The medical expense assistance system for children is institutionalized as part of the welfare measures to support parenting in Tokyo, with certain income limits set by the metropolitan government. In this context, our city has abolished the income limits for the medical expense assistance system for infants and young children. If the income limits for the medical expense assistance system for high school students are abolished, the city will bear the full cost of medical expenses for those exceeding the income limits set by the metropolitan government. Therefore, it is necessary to consider this in light of the city's various challenges and financial situation. We recognize the abolition of income limits as a policy issue, and we appreciate your understanding.	Child Care Support Division Allowance Subsidy Section

3. Community Development and Living Environment

No.	Response Date	Title	Contents	Response	Response Section
1	11th	About Street Trees	The fallen leaves from the zelkova trees in the Momura area are abundant, and even cleaning twice a day is not enough. I understand that the city's cleaning occurs about once a month. While having street trees is better for the landscape, the accumulation of dead leaves on the roads and sidewalks is certainly not visually appealing. In terms of safety, the environment poses risks such as slips due to dead leaves, accidents involving bicycles passing on the sidewalks or road edges, and falls by children, so I would like action to be taken.	Regarding the street trees along the front road, since the management was handed over from the land readjustment association in 1990, they have been cherished as a shared asset of the citizens for about 32 years. Therefore, the city has not carried out the removal of street trees due to fallen leaves. However, considering that the spacing of the street trees along the front road is dense and that some trees have grown large enough to obstruct the visibility of vehicles when turning, we will consider necessary thinning in the future. As for cleaning, we conduct road cleaning approximately once a month from November to January, when the leaves of the street trees fall, on major roads within the city. Additionally, regarding pruning, we aim to carry it out every three years. However, for the front road, which has received particularly many requests, we are implementing pruning every two years instead of the usual three-year schedule. We will continue to strive for proper maintenance and management, and we appreciate your understanding.	Maintenance and Repair Section, Management Division
2	11th	About Pet Ownership in Hirao Housing	I am a visiting nurse. I heard from Older Adults living in Hirao Housing that they want to keep pets but cannot due to regulations. The health benefits that pets provide to Older Adults are immense, and I experience these benefits in my visiting nursing work. I believe there are issues and concerns, but I hope that pet ownership can be made possible in Hirao Housing.	Hirao Housing consists of rental and owner-occupied residences. The rental housing is managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Housing Supply Corporation, and in response to the opinions received from the city, it was conveyed that, due to reasons such as health concerns and consideration for neighborhood issues, the keeping of pets other than small birds and fish is prohibited in all residences. Additionally, regarding owner-occupied residences, I have heard that pet ownership is treated the same as in rental housing according to the regulations of the management association.	Community Development Revitalization Division Address Organization and Housing Complex Revitalization Section
3	11th	About the fluorescent lights at the bus stop	The bus stop at "Wakabadai 1-chome" has a roof with fluorescent lights, but the lights are not on even at night. Is it broken, or is it intentionally turned off? Without the lights on at night, the timetable and other information are completely unreadable.	Regarding the fluorescent lights at the bus stop in "Wakabadai 1-chome", the lights were out, so we informed the managing Odakyu Bus about the situation, and the fluorescent lights are currently being replaced and improved.	Traffic Measures Section, Management Division
4	16th	Traffic Regulations	There is a road between Keio Yomiuriland Station and the Yomiuriland-bound ropeway station, but despite the presence of a pedestrian priority crosswalk, most cars do not stop. I have had several dangerous experiences while crossing with my children. The crosswalk between the station and the Lawson on the opposite side is the same. Please let me know if measures are necessary or if it is advisable to consult the police.	The city requests the Tama Central Police Station to enforce traffic violations at the requested locations, and to ensure that pedestrians can safely cross the crosswalks, we are implementing traffic safety measures such as colored pavement, speed reduction markings, stop sign highlights, post cones, and warning signs. We will continue to work on traffic safety measures in the future. In case of emergencies, such as encountering dangerous situations, please report to the Tama Central Police Station.	Traffic Measures Section, Management Division
5	17th	Rules for Using the Tamagawa Cycling Course	While walking on the Tamagawa Cycling Course, I was yelled at by a cyclist saying, "Keep to the left side." Is there a rule for pedestrians to also keep to the left side?	Regarding the Tama River cycling course within the city, we have received occupancy permission based on the River Act from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and have developed a pedestrian and bicycle-only road on the embankment. As of the fiscal year 2018, it connects with the Tama River cycling course in Kawasaki City. Due to the restrictions of the River Act, it is not easy to widen the road, resulting in a width of only about 2.5 meters. Since it connects with the Tama River cycling course in Kawasaki City, similar to Kawasaki City, in order to ensure the safety of pedestrians due to the shared use of pedestrians and bicycles, we ask that both pedestrians and bicycles travel on the left side, as per the exception of Article 10 of the Road Traffic Act, rather than pedestrians walking on the right side. This year, the city has newly installed center lines and arrows to promote left-side travel, and has placed surface markings stating "Pedestrians First" to remind bicycle users that pedestrians have priority. However, there are some unclear points, so we will promptly work on installing signs that clearly indicate that both pedestrians and bicycles should travel on the left side, and in the future, we will create a website to inform about the rules and manners for bicycles and other vehicles.	Traffic Measures Section, Management Division

4. Education (Schools and Lifelong Learning)

No.	Response Date	Title	Contents	Response	Response Section
1	11th	Regarding the First Aid by Students and Faculty of Inagi Fourth Junior High School (Thank You)	About a year ago in winter, I fell in front of my home and was unable to move when several female students from Inagi City Dai 6 Junior High School happened to be there and offered their help. They quickly arranged for an AED and called the school staff, and the male teacher who rushed over responded appropriately. I ended up being hospitalized for a long time, so my gratitude is delayed, but I am proud that there are wonderful students in our local junior high school. I hope they can be recognized with awards or similar acknowledgments.	Thank you very much for your contact. First of all, I am very pleased to hear that you have recovered. Regarding this matter, I have informed the principal of Inagi City Dai 4 Junior High School about your gratitude through the relevant department. Additionally, I will report this to the principals' meeting where all the principals of the Elementary and Junior High Schools in the city gather. Furthermore, a letter of appreciation will be handed directly to the student involved by the chief of the Inagi Fire Station, and it will also be introduced in the Inagi City public relations. We will continue to strive to nurture children who are kind and compassionate. We ask for your continued understanding and cooperation regarding the school education in Inagi City.	Guidance Section, Inagi Fire Station Fire Suppression Division

5. Other Matters

No.	Response Date	Title	Contents	Response	Response Section
1	11th	Crime Prevention Around Yanokuchi Station	I feel that there are many intoxicated individuals around Yanokuchi Station during the late-night hours, and the security situation seems to be deteriorating. I would like measures to improve safety, such as patrols around the station and the installation of security cameras.	In our city, based on the results from 2021, the number of recognized criminal offenses and the number of recognized criminal offenses per 1,000 people are the lowest among the 26 cities and 23 wards in Tokyo, earning us the evaluation of being the "safest city in Tokyo excluding towns and villages." We believe this is the result of the city's long-standing efforts in collaboration with citizens, crime prevention organizations, and the Tama Central Police Station, including various initiatives such as crime prevention patrols. Regarding the crime prevention measures around Yanokuchi Station that you pointed out, patrols during late-night hours have been appropriately conducted at the Yanokuchi Police Box. Particularly at the end of the year, when the crime rate generally increases and more people tend to drink, we have received reports that patrols during the specified time will be strengthened from the Yanokuchi Police Box. As for the installation of security cameras, we will consider it as a future issue based on the current installation status. Additionally, on December 21, 2022, we conducted a year-end citywide crime prevention patrol, and at Yanokuchi Station, we held a patrol starting at 7 PM with the cooperation of local residents and crime prevention organizations at the station's rotary. Furthermore, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, social and economic activities are steadily returning to pre-COVID levels, and it is expected that more people will dine out with alcohol. While we do not believe this will directly impact local safety, we consider strengthening patrols to be an effective means to prevent troubles related to drinking. Moving forward, we will continue to work with the police, crime prevention organizations, and local residents to ensure the safety and security of our community.	General Affairs and Contracts Division General Affairs Section
2	17th	About the Digital Version of Inagi Nashinosuke Gift Certificates	Regarding the digital version of Inagi Nashinosuke gift certificates, the smartphone screen almost always freezes during payment at the store, making it difficult to use. I hope for improvements next year.	Regarding the phenomenon where the screen of your smartphone freezes when using the digital version of Inagi Nashinosuke gift certificates, common factors include issues with the connection, the radio environment at the store, and speed limitations due to mobile phone contracts. As for connection issues, we have not received any reports of malfunctions from the operating business operators, so we recognize that the impact is largely due to factors such as the radio environment and speed limitations. We appreciate your understanding.	Economic Affairs Section, Commerce Division