Response to Proposals for City Administration in December 2024

5 days

About the Cost of Vaccination for Shingles in Inagi City

I received the first vaccination in February, but at that time I was told that I should receive the second one after April, although I was unsure if there would be a subsidy from the city. I checked the public announcements every month regarding the city's subsidy, but there was no information. By October, there was still no announcement, and when I inquired, I was told, "The subsidy started in April, and it was published in the April 15th announcement. Also, only those who received the first vaccination within six months are eligible, so you do not qualify." The public announcements have been insufficient, and there has been no proper communication regarding the eligibility criteria of needing to be within six months, so I would like to request proper announcements and appropriate responses.

First, regarding the subsidy for the cost of vaccination against shingles, we have started this project as a one-year initiative from October 2, 2023. Therefore, the implementation for the fiscal year 2024 will only be possible if the budget is approved by the city council, and we were unable to clearly indicate the situation for the implementation of the project after April, when the second vaccination can be administered after the first vaccination date (February). For those who can receive the second vaccination after April, medical institutions have been instructed to inform them to check the city website and other sources after April. Due to this background, we have widely disseminated information through the city website, city public relations (April 15 issue), and posters at medical institutions after April 1. We will continue to strive to ensure that citizens who wish to receive the vaccination are well informed. Next, regarding the interval between the first and second vaccinations for the inactivated vaccine (Shingrix), the second vaccination is required to be administered two months after the first vaccination (no later than six months later). (For those who are considered to be at high risk of contracting shingles, the interval between the first and second vaccinations can be shortened to one month.) According to the vaccine package insert from the pharmaceutical manufacturer, it states, "As a standard, the second vaccination should be administered two months after the first vaccination. Even if the interval exceeds two months from the first vaccination, it should be administered by six months later." To ensure that citizens can safely receive the vaccine, we have established the vaccination interval in accordance with the vaccine package insert.
For this reason, in the "Notice of Subsidy for Vaccination Costs for Shingles in Inagi City," it is stated as a precaution that "the second vaccination is required two months after the first vaccination (no later than six months later)." This information is distributed to everyone receiving the vaccination. Additionally, as indicated in the pre-vaccination questionnaire, the subsidy will be provided only if the individual understands this information and complies with the precautions during the vaccination.
Regarding the feedback that there is insufficient awareness on this point, we will make efforts to clarify and present it more clearly in the future.
In order for citizens to safely receive vaccinations, we have established these precautions.

5 days

About the paving of municipal roads and others

(1) About the Paving of City Roads
The road pavement of Shiroyama Street connecting Koyodai from the Shin-Omaru intersection has not been repaired despite being significantly damaged. Is there any reason for this? There are large holes and it is dangerous. I hope for a prompt and complete repaving.
(2) About the traffic signals at the intersection in front of the City Hospital
It is very confusing that there is no traffic light directly in front of the T-junction when exiting to Kawasaki Street from the hospital. Is it not possible to install a traffic light?

Regarding the proposed Shiroyama Street, from the Shiroyama Park intersection to the Omaru intersection, starting in Fiscal Year 2023, we are carrying out road pavement replacement work, lane by lane, from the Shiroyama intersection side towards the Omaru intersection. This year, we will continue the work from the areas completed last year towards the Omaru intersection side, and once the relevant lane (downward) is completed, we plan to move to the opposite lane (upward).
In the meantime, until the construction is completed, we will conduct regular inspections and carry out necessary partial repairs as needed.
Next, regarding traffic regulations such as traffic lights, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, which is the traffic manager, makes the decision on installation. Concerning the installation of a traffic light for vehicles from the City Hospital side to Kawasaki Kaido in front of Inagi City Hospital, when we confirmed with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, they stated, "The requested location is an entrance and exit of an off-road facility, not an intersection. We will not install a traffic light for the entrance and exit of the off-road facility." There is a pedestrian traffic light installed for crossing Kawasaki Kaido at the requested location, so we hope that when the pedestrian traffic light is green and the vehicles on Kawasaki Kaido have stopped, you will check for safety on both sides before crossing.
As a city, we will continue to work on traffic safety measures in the area, including requesting the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the road manager of Kawasaki Street, to properly manage the street trees to ensure vehicle visibility.

Management Division Maintenance and Repair Section, Traffic Measures Section, Civil Engineering Division Road and Waterway Construction Section

6 days

About Route Buses

The number of route buses has decreased, and commuting and school travel times have increased by more than 30 minutes. If there is a labor shortage, I hope you will consider transportation options like the Utsunomiya Light Rail.

The current situation surrounding bus operators is that, amid a nationwide decrease in the number of drivers, in line with work style reforms, the "Standards for Improving the Working Hours of Automobile Drivers," commonly known as the Improvement Standards Notification, will be enforced on April 1, 2024. To comply with the reduction of drivers' working hours and the securing of break times as stipulated by the revised standards, we have been informed by bus operators that there is a risk that maintaining the current operation of city bus routes may become impossible, even when considering the current and future projections of the number of drivers.
The city will hold discussions on matters necessary for the realization of transportation services that reflect the local situation, consisting of representatives from each Neighborhood Association and citizen groups, bus Business Operators, and the police, in the "Inagi City Regional Public Transportation Council" and others. We will discuss the current bus operations in the city, taking into account the current situation surrounding the existing bus Business Operators.
In addition, while we are also inspecting the Utsunomiya LRT, it was established to alleviate chronic traffic congestion caused by commuting by private cars to a large industrial park by laying railway tracks connecting Utsunomiya Station to the industrial park. Considering the scale of the project and its profitability, we believe that implementation within Inagi City is not feasible.

Traffic Measures Section, Management Division

10 days

About Bus Stops

I would like to see more bus stops from Wakabadai Station near the Sakahama area.
Also, the corner from Odaryo Central Park to Odaryo North Park is very hard to see, and since there is a Nursery School nearby, I would like to request the installation of a convex mirror.

The operation of route buses on the city road Hirao No. 2039, which passes through the Odaryo Tunnel and reaches the vicinity of Odaryo River Park, is difficult according to the route bus Business Operators, as it is impossible for buses to turn around within the city road. Therefore, until this city road connects to Tsurukawa Highway, we apologize for the inconvenience and ask that you consider using the route buses operating on Tenjin Street or the i-bus bus stops.
Next, regarding your request for the installation of a curve mirror, please note that curve mirrors have blind spots that are not reflected in the mirror, and particularly small children are prone to entering these blind spots, which may increase the risk of traffic accidents. The city is making careful judgments regarding the installation of curve mirrors, especially around school routes and children's facilities.
Regarding the requested area, upon checking the site, it was confirmed that a corner cut has been installed at the T-junction, ensuring a certain level of visibility. Therefore, there are no plans to install a convex mirror. However, a warning sign has already been installed to ensure traffic safety.

Traffic Measures Section, Management Division

4

16 days

About the One-Man Operation of the Nambu Line Starting Next Spring

It has been announced that one-man operation of the Nambu Line will be implemented from next spring, but it is considered that there are many dangers during rush hours, such as the crowded trains stopping at Inagi-Naganuma Station bound for Tachikawa in the morning. There are many dangers in emergencies, personal accidents, and cases of sudden illness; how does the city plan to address these issues?

The city has been informed that East Japan Railway Company (hereinafter referred to as "JR East") will install monitors in the driver's seat to enable confirmation of passenger boarding and alighting at all doors for improved safety associated with one-man operation. Additionally, for the first time at JR East, a function will be introduced that allows communication between users and the transportation control room during emergencies, as well as direct announcements from the transportation control room to the train. Furthermore, JR East will provide necessary education and training to staff to ensure that users can ride with confidence during one-man operations.
As a city, we have been requesting improvements in the safety of train operations, and moving forward, we would like to continue to make requests to JR East to implement further safety measures in order to alleviate the concerns of station users, taking into account the issues you have pointed out.
In addition, regarding the feedback that there are inconveniences for wheelchair users when using the facilities at the Nambu Line stations, the city will make a request to JR East. Furthermore, we have been informed that JR East has a consultation desk for opinions and requests (please refer to the URL below). We would appreciate it if you could directly provide your feedback to JR East.
[JR East Japan - Reception of Opinions and Requests]
　URL:https://voice2.jreast.co.jp/

Community Development Section, City Planning Division

19 days

About Yama Sakura Park

The bricks under the wisteria trellis in Yamazakura Park have come off, and now an orange net is spread over them. It feels like they have been left unattended for quite a long time. I would like to know the plans for the future.

Thank you for your feedback. Regarding the brick wall in Yamazakura Park, as you pointed out, the bricks are indeed peeling, and we have restricted access with an orange net. This brick wall may continue to experience peeling due to aging and other factors, so we will conduct a site inspection, remove any bricks that may peel, and carry out renovation work within this fiscal year.
We apologize for any inconvenience to our users, but we will continue to strive for the maintenance and management of safe and secure parks.

Greenery and Environment Division Green and Park Section

25 days

About the streetlights before dawn

The streetlights on the "Giant's Path" heading to Yomiuri Land are turned off before dawn. It is dangerous to ascend and descend the stairs in complete darkness. Could you please turn off the streetlights around 6:10 AM only during the winter season?

Regarding the lighting for the "Path to Giants" that you requested, it is managed by Yomiuri Land Co., Ltd. We conveyed your request to the city, and we have received a response that the lighting off time has been changed from 6 AM to 7 AM. This is to inform you of that update.

Maintenance and Repair Section, Management Division

26 days

About the establishment of the second middle school soccer

Currently, there is no soccer club at the second junior high school, but how can we make it happen? There are junior high schools in the city that have soccer clubs and those that do not, and I would like to see equal opportunities provided from compulsory education. Also, if it is difficult to have a standalone team, I think a joint team with multiple junior high schools would be acceptable. I would like to know the reasons why the soccer club at the second junior high school was disbanded a few years ago and the conditions for its revival.

Upon confirming with the Board of Education, it has been indicated in the policy formulated by the Board of Education titled "Policy Regarding Club Activities at Inagi City Public Junior High Schools" (hereinafter referred to as the Inagi City Club Activity Policy) regarding the establishment of club activities. Based on that content, we will provide our response.
・The city's basic recognition regarding the establishment of necessary club activities in each school from the perspective of promoting the physical and mental growth of children.
→Regarding the city's basic recognition of establishing necessary club activities in each junior high school, it is understood that club activities will be organized and planned based on the "Inagi City Club Activity Policy" formulated by the Board of Education, which states, "Schools will establish club activities in an organized and planned manner, taking into account each school's educational goals, school management plans, school size, facilities and equipment, the actual conditions and diverse needs of students, the expertise of instructors, the traditions of the school, and the characteristics of the community."
・There are middle schools in the city with soccer clubs and those without. From the perspective of compulsory education (public education), I believe opportunities should be provided equally. What do you think? (If it is difficult to have a standalone team, I think a joint team with multiple middle schools would be acceptable.)
Considering the number of students wishing to join the soccer club at each junior high school, it is currently difficult to establish soccer clubs at all junior high schools. Regarding joint teams, it is said that the Board of Education and each junior high school will consider implementation based on the actual circumstances of each school.
・The specific reasons for the disbandment of the second middle school soccer club a few years ago
→Currently, the soccer club at Inagi Dai 2 Junior High School is in a state of "suspension of activities" rather than "disbandment." The specific reason for this suspension is that in the 6th year of Reiwa, there were 3 students who wished to join the soccer club, but upon confirming with those students about the possibility of activities with just 3 members, they indicated that they did not wish to join, leading to the suspension of activities.

・Conditions for the revival of the Ninchuu Soccer Club (number of applicants, budget, advisor responsibilities, etc.)
There are no specific conditions regarding the number of participants, but if a certain number of prospective members and instructors can be secured, it is said that the soccer club activities will resume.
I think it would be good to have a joint team with nearby schools like Chuu 6. Is there a possibility for that, and what challenges would need to be addressed to make it happen?
Regarding the joint team between Inagi Dai 2 Junior High School and other municipal junior high schools, there are operational challenges such as transportation to the participating junior high schools and securing time; however, both principals have agreed that it is feasible to implement.
Whether to establish a club activity in the next fiscal year will be determined through what procedures and considerations within the fiscal year's schedule, and around when it will be decided.
Regarding the procedures for establishing club activities, each junior high school will make decisions about the establishment of club activities after discussions with the School Management Council and staff meetings at an appropriate time, based on the "Inagi City Club Activity Policy," which states, "Schools will comprehensively judge the establishment of activities considering the trends of their own school over the next few years (such as the number of enrolled students and the possibility of assigning faculty advisors). In particular, the establishment will not be based solely on the individual wishes of teachers, but will be carefully considered in light of the future direction of organizational management."

Guidance Division

20 days

Access to the Comprehensive Gymnasium

During sports events held on holidays at the "Sougo Taiikukan", the parking lot often becomes full, causing vehicles waiting to enter to queue on the road, leading to traffic congestion extending to the Oine Main Line. Local residents are inconvenienced, and as the administrator, we ask for the following measures to be taken.
(1) Ensure that security personnel are always deployed on holidays, and increase usage fees.
(2) Call for the use of public transportation.
(3) Expand the parking lot.

We recognize that during overlapping sports events, there may be delays in vehicle departures due to the concentration of departing vehicles in the west parking lot of the Comprehensive Gymnasium. When a large number of park parking lot users are expected, the "Inagi Green Wellness Foundation," which is already the designated management organization for municipal parks, will deploy security personnel at the parking lot entrance and near the traffic light at Inagi Central Park close to Zebra Coffee, as well as set up color cones along the roadside to prevent vehicles from waiting on the street. Additionally, as needed, we will not only deploy security personnel but also have city staff and organizing groups guide and manage vehicles.
Regarding the encouragement to use public transportation, the city promotes this during events it hosts by providing information at the time of recruitment and through individual notifications to participants. Additionally, for sports event organizers, we allocate the number of parking spaces based on the scale of the event and explain to them to encourage attendees exceeding the allocated number to use public transportation.

The city plans to update aging parking equipment and introduce cashless payment systems in the fiscal year 2025. Additionally, we are considering increasing the number of parking spaces by utilizing available spaces and reviewing their layout.
We will continue to strive for proper management of the park parking lots, and we appreciate your understanding.

Greenery and Environment Division Green and Park Section · Sports Promotion Section Sports Promotion Section

26 days

Basic Plan on Support for Women Facing Difficulties

It seems that Tokyo is creating the basic policy for the "Law on Support for Women Facing Difficult Issues" that will be enacted in April 2024. It is considered the duty of each municipality to create a basic plan. Does Inagi City have plans to create a basic plan?

Regarding the "Law on Support for Women Facing Difficult Issues" that came into effect on April 1, 2024, municipalities are required to strive to formulate a basic municipal plan.
Currently, Inagi City is engaged in discussions within the Inagi City Gender Equality Promotion Council, composed of experts and publicly recruited citizens, to formulate the fifth plan of the Inagi City Gender Equality Plan (Inagi Plan for Promoting Gender Equality), which will begin in the 8th year of the Reiwa era (hereinafter referred to as the "Fifth Plan"). The Fifth Plan under discussion is expected to include content that encompasses the "Basic Plan for Supporting Women Facing Difficult Issues," mentioning the creation of an environment where those in difficult situations can live with peace of mind.

Citizen Collaboration Division Gender Equality Participation Section