update: Mar 15,2010
It is a pleasure to be here with you today, at the opening of the regular meeting of the City Council in February 2007, and to make a speech to explain the policies and procedures for the city administration management in the upcoming fiscal year, before asking you to discuss the proposed FY2007 budget and other various issues.
Foreword
There are sure signs of recovery in the Japanese economy with improving economic indexes. On the other hand, there are also never-ending accidents and criminal cases such as child abuse, suicides caused by bullying, and tragic accidents due to drink-driving. Cases due to lack of corporate ethics continue. Collusive bidding at the initiative of government agencies and other scandalous actions of administrative members like ourselves are giving Japanese citizens a sense of distrust which will be hard to change. We have to view issues such as the above not as those relating only to the people concerned but those that concern society as a whole.
I think that the period between last year and this one represents a dawn toward a new decentralization reform for local autonomous bodies. The first stage of the so-called "large merger of Heisei" is now complete and the number of municipalities has been reduced to about 1,800. While respective autonomous communities are gaining strength as bearers of decentralization, autonomous bodies have gained increased scope to be creative and develop an autonomous system suitable for the unique features of that particular community thanks to the reform of the Local Autonomy Law. The national government is set to start the second term decentralization reform by establishing the Decentralization Reform Promotion Law to further promote decentralization.
In an era of decreasing population, local communities have become legally equal to and engage in cooperative relations with the national government, while it has also become possible for the former to design and implement, single-handed, detailed measures that meet unique local circumstances, instead of implementing only those measures determined by national government, as was often the case previously. In other words, the ability of respective autonomous bodies to develop political measures is being tested.
In the final report of "Vision of Decentralized Society" compiled in November last year by the New Decentralization Vision Review Committee, set up by six local organizations, it is newly highlighted that "it is the scene of administrative service that public services to support the livelihood of people, including welfare for elderly and disabled people, child rearing, education and city development, are created." As stated in the above report, I think we have to revert to the basic principle of "near is better" (Decisions made nearer to citizens are more desirable.) and work to establish true local autonomy based on self-determination and self-responsibility.
Now we are in the very year of the so-called "2007 problem." This problem came into focus based on a sense of crisis at the sudden decrease in the number of engineers in worksites in the manufacturing industry, and has been discussed ever since as if it were a national threat.
Recently, however, there have been movements to extend the retirement age and expectations that baby boomers will increase demand. The results of the Longitudinal Survey of Middle and Elderly Persons, conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, show that baby boomers are willing to work and tend to want to keep working and earning until 64 years of age, and accordingly, securing the necessary employment basis is desirable.
Last year, Ichikawa City set up a system targeted solely at citizens aged 60 years or older and enabling them to work as temporary workers based on their pre-retirement experience. Of the applicants, 19 persons have been employed, the eldest of whom was 80 years old. The employed temporary workers include a first-class registered architect and an EIKEN Test (Practical English Proficiency Test administered by STEP) Grade 1 certificate holder with good qualifications and rich experience and they are working actively on the site of city administration.
Many Ichikawa City citizens commute to work, especially in Tokyo. As the phrase, "Chiba Tomin (Tokyoites)," shows they have been too busy with their everyday business duties to take part in community events. The community will immediately revitalize if they take part in NPO, volunteer activities and community associations and other local organizations after retirement.
I do not think that the 2007 problem has only negative effects. Rather, it is an opportunity, I think, to have the power of baby boomers positively used in the community. Hopefully, the year 2007 is one in which community power is applied at full throttle.
In the ever accelerating flow of decentralization, I will strive to ensure the increased strength of this administrative body capable of implementing measures for enhanced citizen satisfaction by further bringing out the unique features of Ichikawa City.
1．Basic Stance for City Administration Management
Ever since I assumed the office of mayor, I have been continually considering the issues of "regaining the community dynamism and kindness" and "the health of citizens" living in the community. The issue of the community is as I have occasionally discussed to date. Regarding health, Ichikawa City has joined the activities of the WHO Health City Program. Health and the community are linked. Key is establishing the area as a stage for healthy everyday living to form a citizen-friendly community. A collaborative community, in which citizens think, participate, offer their abilities to each other, and encourage each other is what an ideal autonomous body should be.
Based on the above idea, I have been committed to my work, positioning the three words of community, health and collaboration as keywords of city administration management. I will implement measures based on the above keywords and add new viewpoints.
Based on the above idea, I have been committed to my work, positioning the three words of community, health and collaboration as keywords of city administration management. I will implement measures based on the above keywords and add new viewpoints.
Viewpoint to exploit community power
The first topic is the viewpoint to exploit the community power.
Community power increases as residents get interested and act in the community. As I mentioned earlier, the baby boomers are returning to the community, which is another positive condition for the revitalization of the same. Citizens and administrative organizations have collaborated positively in Ichikawa City in various forms such as the Community Care System, Family Support Center, Gardening Club, Recycling Partner, IT Supporter, and City Guide, and there have also been numerous NPO and volunteer activities. Moreover, the "Collaborative Project Proposal System", which is intended to solve immediate problems in the community based on proposals from citizens and in collaboration with the city authority has just got underway.
We intend to establish an environment enabling everyone to easily participate in city development by creating new opportunities for collaboration in addition to the many forms of collaboration developed to date.
I will continue conducting administrative duties from the community viewpoint; based on the understanding that community power is an essential property of Ichikawa City just like its history and culture.
Community power increases as residents get interested and act in the community. As I mentioned earlier, the baby boomers are returning to the community, which is another positive condition for the revitalization of the same. Citizens and administrative organizations have collaborated positively in Ichikawa City in various forms such as the Community Care System, Family Support Center, Gardening Club, Recycling Partner, IT Supporter, and City Guide, and there have also been numerous NPO and volunteer activities. Moreover, the "Collaborative Project Proposal System", which is intended to solve immediate problems in the community based on proposals from citizens and in collaboration with the city authority has just got underway.
We intend to establish an environment enabling everyone to easily participate in city development by creating new opportunities for collaboration in addition to the many forms of collaboration developed to date.
I will continue conducting administrative duties from the community viewpoint; based on the understanding that community power is an essential property of Ichikawa City just like its history and culture.
The viewpoint of the city brand
Secondly, the viewpoint of the city brand.
A brand is intended to distinguish a particular product from others of the same kind and I believe cities also need their own brands.
The effect of making an impression of a city on people's mind is not just an increase in the number of tourists visiting. The features of a city that attract people from outside and its unique characteristics will also encourage people to visit or live there. They will bring in businesses, and above all, make the residents proud. Moreover, inside city offices, employees become more willing to work. I think the increasingly active movement toward becoming a government designated city in autonomous communities all over Japan is not only because of the possible expansion of authority and securing of financial sources but also because they are focusing on the brand power of having a government designated city.
The nature, history, and rich culture themselves are brands of Ichikawa City. It is important to further increase the power of the brand and incorporate this increased brand power in management strategies by inheriting nature, history, and rich culture, passing them down to succeeding generations and also upgrading the level of unique administrative services at the same time.
The measures Ichikawa City has implemented ahead of other cities in Japan, which include the "Civic Activity Group Support System," so-called "1% Support System," and "Ordinance on Citizens and Rainwater," WHO Health City activities, and nationally top-level IT policies are also becoming some of the many brands of this City. Moreover, the twin towers being constructed under the JR Ichikawa Station South Exit Redevelopment Project will hopefully serve as a landmark entrance to Chiba Prefecture.
Our viewpoint to be valued includes enhancing citizens' sense of belonging to the community, their attachment to the same and using them as a source of revitalization of the City to increase the brand power of Ichikawa City that can be shared with citizens.
Viewpoint of wide-area collaboration
The third is the viewpoint of wide-area collaboration.
Ichikawa City has common borders with Matsudo, Kamagaya, Funabashi, and Urayasu Cities, and moreover, is connected to the Tokyo Metropolis across the Edo River. The citizens' living area is rapidly expanding, as they cross the city border not only to go to office or school, but also to go shopping, see a doctor, and for leisure. Accordingly, public administration must also adapt to the above expansion.
In some cases, it is more convenient for citizens living in areas near municipal borders to use facilities, including bicycle parking spaces and assembly houses, in an adjacent city. Taking the fire fighting activities as an example, we see that it would be much more efficient to collaboratively conduct such activities with an adjacent city and it would improve fire fighting capabilities if two cities supplemented each other. The same applies to the treatment of waste.
The era of decentralization is said to be one of competition between municipalities. True enough, the declining population has become a reality, and each municipality must now address the task of finding ways to attract new people and businesses.
It can be said, however, that it is no longer practical for public administration to be too aware of the competition, build the city border fence higher, offer various services strictly within the city, and solve problems alone.
As for efforts toward wide-area collaboration, a study group, consisting of employees of seven cities, including Ichikawa City and neighboring cities, has been established and is expected to have positive discussions. Moreover, cooperative relations have been established between three municipalities, including Edogawa, Urayasu, and Ichikawa Cities, to discuss common issues that concern the city development along the Edo River.
Henceforth, we will value the viewpoint to positively promote wide-area collaboration.
Ichikawa City has common borders with Matsudo, Kamagaya, Funabashi, and Urayasu Cities, and moreover, is connected to the Tokyo Metropolis across the Edo River. The citizens' living area is rapidly expanding, as they cross the city border not only to go to office or school, but also to go shopping, see a doctor, and for leisure. Accordingly, public administration must also adapt to the above expansion.
In some cases, it is more convenient for citizens living in areas near municipal borders to use facilities, including bicycle parking spaces and assembly houses, in an adjacent city. Taking the fire fighting activities as an example, we see that it would be much more efficient to collaboratively conduct such activities with an adjacent city and it would improve fire fighting capabilities if two cities supplemented each other. The same applies to the treatment of waste.
The era of decentralization is said to be one of competition between municipalities. True enough, the declining population has become a reality, and each municipality must now address the task of finding ways to attract new people and businesses.
It can be said, however, that it is no longer practical for public administration to be too aware of the competition, build the city border fence higher, offer various services strictly within the city, and solve problems alone.
As for efforts toward wide-area collaboration, a study group, consisting of employees of seven cities, including Ichikawa City and neighboring cities, has been established and is expected to have positive discussions. Moreover, cooperative relations have been established between three municipalities, including Edogawa, Urayasu, and Ichikawa Cities, to discuss common issues that concern the city development along the Edo River.
Henceforth, we will value the viewpoint to positively promote wide-area collaboration.
2. Priority Measures for the New Fiscal Year
Ichikawa City has appropriately met citizens' needs by transferring part of the budget drafting authority to frontline departments in drafting the budget. Moreover, for the drafting of the fiscal year 2007 budget, we have just conducted a questionnaire survey to weigh the priority of measures with e-monitors as subjects. Furthermore, we have introduced various methods on a trial basis for the effective and efficient use of limited financial resources, such as sorting of administrative services in order to compile a budget that will help enhance citizens' satisfaction. Major priority policies for the new fiscal year are as follows.
（1）Promotion of Healthy City Ichikawa.
Firstly, I will discuss the promotion of Healthy City Ichikawa.
As various health-related issues such as food and the environment are increasingly serious, the importance of the first part of the Constitution of the World Health Organization has never been greater, "The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition," cited in the Healthy City Ichikawa Declaration. We are happy to say that supporters active in developing health locally in the community are being successfully nurtured in the City. Besides we have also received awards from the World Health Organization in three consecutive years. Being a healthy city is increasingly becoming Ichikawa City's brand to show to the world.
Ichikawa City's activities, as mentioned above, have been positively evaluated and it has been decided that the 3rd Global Conference of the Alliance for Healthy Cities will be held in Ichikawa City next fall. The 2nd Conference held in Suzhou, China was attended by about 400 participants from 20 countries, while the number of participants is expected to increase for the conference to be held in Ichikawa City. We will take all possible measures to ensure a meaningful conference for the participants and for Ichikawa City, based on good hospitality.
The main health-related activities to be implemented in the new fiscal year include the offering of courses, using Health Development Classes, and establishing of a webpage to diffuse knowledge concerning the prevention of metabolic syndrome. Support will be provided, positively exploiting information technologies, such as the provision of personal health guidance via emails for age groups at a higher risk of lifestyle diseases.
As for shokuiku (food and nutrition education), which has become a national issue, we will set up a council that includes members with expertise and develop a shokuiku promotion plan as an executive plan of the City, based on the enactment of the Basic Law on Shokuiku (food and nutrition education).
The number of health promotion and diet improvement staff have been increased each year, and will be further increased in the upcoming fiscal year, each by 10 persons.
Moreover, we will continue to offer the Healthy City Promotion Course, which has been implemented since fiscal year 2006, with the cooperation of the Wayo Women's University, and encourage citizens having completed the course to engage in voluntary community activities to expand such activities.
As for the Healthy School Project, a new physical test of all schoolchildren and students will be conducted to collect basic data on physical and athletic abilities in order to use the analyzed results to improve their physical abilities. Also, "Oral Health Check-up" will be implemented in model elementary and junior high schools and the results of the check up of the dental bite and salivary flow of schoolchildren and students will be used to improve dietary life. Moreover, check-ups on children's lifestyle diseases and diet surveys will continue to be carried out, as well as providing health consultations and individual counseling concerning lifestyle rhythms, dietary life, and exercise.
As for sports, firstly, three tennis courts in the sports center in Konodai will be covered with artificial grass and the Civic Gymnasium will be refurbished to make it more quake-resistant.
Moreover, the decrepit facilities of the Citizens Swimming Pool will be refurbished. Furthermore, the second Comprehensive Community Sports Club will be constructed in Shiohama District and Machikado (street corner) Health Saloon for light exercise will be opened, using an empty store in the district.
As for the redevelopment of Urayasu Ichikawa Resident Hospital, we will continue to discuss the issue with Urayasu City, based on the report submitted by the Hospital Management Conference.
Regarding the Konodai Hospital, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare last year expressed its intention to reconsider its move toward the transfer. The hospital, however, is an important base in our efforts toward a healthy city, and we will draw up City's ideas to put pressure on the national government.
As various health-related issues such as food and the environment are increasingly serious, the importance of the first part of the Constitution of the World Health Organization has never been greater, "The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition," cited in the Healthy City Ichikawa Declaration. We are happy to say that supporters active in developing health locally in the community are being successfully nurtured in the City. Besides we have also received awards from the World Health Organization in three consecutive years. Being a healthy city is increasingly becoming Ichikawa City's brand to show to the world.
Ichikawa City's activities, as mentioned above, have been positively evaluated and it has been decided that the 3rd Global Conference of the Alliance for Healthy Cities will be held in Ichikawa City next fall. The 2nd Conference held in Suzhou, China was attended by about 400 participants from 20 countries, while the number of participants is expected to increase for the conference to be held in Ichikawa City. We will take all possible measures to ensure a meaningful conference for the participants and for Ichikawa City, based on good hospitality.
The main health-related activities to be implemented in the new fiscal year include the offering of courses, using Health Development Classes, and establishing of a webpage to diffuse knowledge concerning the prevention of metabolic syndrome. Support will be provided, positively exploiting information technologies, such as the provision of personal health guidance via emails for age groups at a higher risk of lifestyle diseases.
As for shokuiku (food and nutrition education), which has become a national issue, we will set up a council that includes members with expertise and develop a shokuiku promotion plan as an executive plan of the City, based on the enactment of the Basic Law on Shokuiku (food and nutrition education).
The number of health promotion and diet improvement staff have been increased each year, and will be further increased in the upcoming fiscal year, each by 10 persons.
Moreover, we will continue to offer the Healthy City Promotion Course, which has been implemented since fiscal year 2006, with the cooperation of the Wayo Women's University, and encourage citizens having completed the course to engage in voluntary community activities to expand such activities.
As for the Healthy School Project, a new physical test of all schoolchildren and students will be conducted to collect basic data on physical and athletic abilities in order to use the analyzed results to improve their physical abilities. Also, "Oral Health Check-up" will be implemented in model elementary and junior high schools and the results of the check up of the dental bite and salivary flow of schoolchildren and students will be used to improve dietary life. Moreover, check-ups on children's lifestyle diseases and diet surveys will continue to be carried out, as well as providing health consultations and individual counseling concerning lifestyle rhythms, dietary life, and exercise.
As for sports, firstly, three tennis courts in the sports center in Konodai will be covered with artificial grass and the Civic Gymnasium will be refurbished to make it more quake-resistant.
Moreover, the decrepit facilities of the Citizens Swimming Pool will be refurbished. Furthermore, the second Comprehensive Community Sports Club will be constructed in Shiohama District and Machikado (street corner) Health Saloon for light exercise will be opened, using an empty store in the district.
As for the redevelopment of Urayasu Ichikawa Resident Hospital, we will continue to discuss the issue with Urayasu City, based on the report submitted by the Hospital Management Conference.
Regarding the Konodai Hospital, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare last year expressed its intention to reconsider its move toward the transfer. The hospital, however, is an important base in our efforts toward a healthy city, and we will draw up City's ideas to put pressure on the national government.
（2）Measures against declining birthrate
Next, I will discuss measures against the declining birthrate.
The issue of declining birthrate is a key issue that may impact the basis of this country. The national government decided to newly set up "Japan's Priority Strategy Review Conference to Support Children and Families," expressing its idea to develop strategies focusing on family regeneration. However, I think the key for autonomous communities is rather than awaiting measures from national government, to take measures themselves with creativity and ingenuity based on their own unique community situation.
Firstly, as for nurseries, a private certified nursery with a capacity of 52 children opened in Myoten District in February 2007, while the new fiscal year will see private nurseries open respectively in Shimo-Kaizuka, Baraki, Katori, and Minami-Yawata Districts. As for public nurseries, a branch nursery of Gyotoku Daini Nursery will open in Minami-Niihama Elementary School. Thus, the capacity will be increased by a total of 328 children during the new fiscal year in our efforts to eliminate the number of children on nursery waiting lists.
Also, works to enforce quake-resistance will be conducted for Soya and Kakemama Nurseries to improve the child care environment.
As for children's health, we will continue to implement health checkups for the early detection of diseases of expecting mothers and infants and prevent the occurrence of mental and physical disorders. Moreover, we will distribute maternity key holders so that those around mothers in early pregnancy will be aware and kind and considerate to them.
As for facilities for children recovering from illness, there are currently 2 medical facilities that provide the relevant service, which will also be available in Minami-Yawata District in the new fiscal year.
Regarding hoiku clubs (child care clubs), the capacity of Myoten Elementary School Hoiku Club will be increased by 90 children and that of Owada Elementary School Hoiku Club by 40 during the new fiscal year, while the acceptance of children with disabilities will also be expanded.
Moreover, to ensure the safety and security of children after school, the issue will be transferred to the control of the Board of Education, and discussions will ensue on future activities, including those concerning the After School Child Care Plan of the national government.
As for support for families rearing children, Comprehensive Support Center for Families Rearing Children will develop a system to swiftly address reports of child abuse, etc.
The Parent-Child Gathering Plaza is popular as a place where mainly parents with infants and children can get together in a casual manner. In the coming fiscal year, the Plaza will open in Minami-Niihama Elementary School and Yawata Branch City Office. The 7th Community Child Rearing Support Center will be set up on the same premises with a private nursery to be newly built in Katori 2-chome. We will work to increase the number of members of the Family Support Center to include middle-aged and elderly citizens, as well as the child-rearing age group.
As for the subsidy for infant medical expenses, the eligibility for subsidies for the expenses of hospital visits and prescriptions will be expanded from the current up to 5 year olds to include all pre-schoolers.
As for the child-care allowance, the Infants Plus System will be established as a national system, targeted at first and second children between 0 and 2 years old.
As for the support for families rearing 3 children or more, nursery fees have been made free of charge in fiscal year 2006. In the new fiscal year, measures to reduce the amount of kindergarten fee will also be implemented. Moreover, the amount of subsidy will be increased in order to expand the day care service and care service for children with disabilities in private kindergartens.
Furthermore, for mother-child families, the City will subsidize part of the expense required to participate in education and training courses as an employment support to mothers.
The issue of declining birthrate is a key issue that may impact the basis of this country. The national government decided to newly set up "Japan's Priority Strategy Review Conference to Support Children and Families," expressing its idea to develop strategies focusing on family regeneration. However, I think the key for autonomous communities is rather than awaiting measures from national government, to take measures themselves with creativity and ingenuity based on their own unique community situation.
Firstly, as for nurseries, a private certified nursery with a capacity of 52 children opened in Myoten District in February 2007, while the new fiscal year will see private nurseries open respectively in Shimo-Kaizuka, Baraki, Katori, and Minami-Yawata Districts. As for public nurseries, a branch nursery of Gyotoku Daini Nursery will open in Minami-Niihama Elementary School. Thus, the capacity will be increased by a total of 328 children during the new fiscal year in our efforts to eliminate the number of children on nursery waiting lists.
Also, works to enforce quake-resistance will be conducted for Soya and Kakemama Nurseries to improve the child care environment.
As for children's health, we will continue to implement health checkups for the early detection of diseases of expecting mothers and infants and prevent the occurrence of mental and physical disorders. Moreover, we will distribute maternity key holders so that those around mothers in early pregnancy will be aware and kind and considerate to them.
As for facilities for children recovering from illness, there are currently 2 medical facilities that provide the relevant service, which will also be available in Minami-Yawata District in the new fiscal year.
Regarding hoiku clubs (child care clubs), the capacity of Myoten Elementary School Hoiku Club will be increased by 90 children and that of Owada Elementary School Hoiku Club by 40 during the new fiscal year, while the acceptance of children with disabilities will also be expanded.
Moreover, to ensure the safety and security of children after school, the issue will be transferred to the control of the Board of Education, and discussions will ensue on future activities, including those concerning the After School Child Care Plan of the national government.
As for support for families rearing children, Comprehensive Support Center for Families Rearing Children will develop a system to swiftly address reports of child abuse, etc.
The Parent-Child Gathering Plaza is popular as a place where mainly parents with infants and children can get together in a casual manner. In the coming fiscal year, the Plaza will open in Minami-Niihama Elementary School and Yawata Branch City Office. The 7th Community Child Rearing Support Center will be set up on the same premises with a private nursery to be newly built in Katori 2-chome. We will work to increase the number of members of the Family Support Center to include middle-aged and elderly citizens, as well as the child-rearing age group.
As for the subsidy for infant medical expenses, the eligibility for subsidies for the expenses of hospital visits and prescriptions will be expanded from the current up to 5 year olds to include all pre-schoolers.
As for the child-care allowance, the Infants Plus System will be established as a national system, targeted at first and second children between 0 and 2 years old.
As for the support for families rearing 3 children or more, nursery fees have been made free of charge in fiscal year 2006. In the new fiscal year, measures to reduce the amount of kindergarten fee will also be implemented. Moreover, the amount of subsidy will be increased in order to expand the day care service and care service for children with disabilities in private kindergartens.
Furthermore, for mother-child families, the City will subsidize part of the expense required to participate in education and training courses as an employment support to mothers.
（3）City redevelopment
Next, the topic is city redevelopment.
The renewal of the City is one of the major themes of the 2nd Comprehensive 3-year Plan. We will continue to redevelop urban areas and update urban infrastructure for the steady implementation of the plan.
Firstly, the redevelopment of the JR Ichikawa Station South Exit has been underway for the scheduled completion of work in fiscal year 2008. During the new fiscal year, works to construct public facilities, including road improvement, will be implemented and the execution design of the facilities, including citizens' service counter, nursery, and library that are scheduled to be set up in the building, will be drawn up.
As for the district right out of the JR Moto-Yawata Station North Exit, we will continue to subsidize the A District Redevelopment Project on the south side of the Keisei Yawata Station and the Excellent Buildings Improvement Project implemented in the B District on the south of National Highway 14.
Concerning the grade separation of the Keisei Main Line, we will compile and present the direction of the improvement the City intends to take, and based on the above, engage in discussions with those concerned in the railway sector, Chiba Prefecture and other related organizations.
As for the outer orbital highway, the national government has just announced the anticipated opening of the whole line in fiscal year 2015. We are aware of the expectations of many citizens for its early opening and will encourage the national government to strive to provide the service on schedule. As for crime prevention measures on and around the purchased lands, we will take measures jointly with relevant businesses, including setting up security cameras, patrolling, and providing support to security groups.
As for improvements to urban planning roads 3, 4, and 18, the construction of Bridge 1 has been mostly completed. We will proceed with the construction of two more bridges in addition to those under construction and simultaneously work to purchase lands yet to be purchased.
The renewal of the City is one of the major themes of the 2nd Comprehensive 3-year Plan. We will continue to redevelop urban areas and update urban infrastructure for the steady implementation of the plan.
Firstly, the redevelopment of the JR Ichikawa Station South Exit has been underway for the scheduled completion of work in fiscal year 2008. During the new fiscal year, works to construct public facilities, including road improvement, will be implemented and the execution design of the facilities, including citizens' service counter, nursery, and library that are scheduled to be set up in the building, will be drawn up.
As for the district right out of the JR Moto-Yawata Station North Exit, we will continue to subsidize the A District Redevelopment Project on the south side of the Keisei Yawata Station and the Excellent Buildings Improvement Project implemented in the B District on the south of National Highway 14.
Concerning the grade separation of the Keisei Main Line, we will compile and present the direction of the improvement the City intends to take, and based on the above, engage in discussions with those concerned in the railway sector, Chiba Prefecture and other related organizations.
As for the outer orbital highway, the national government has just announced the anticipated opening of the whole line in fiscal year 2015. We are aware of the expectations of many citizens for its early opening and will encourage the national government to strive to provide the service on schedule. As for crime prevention measures on and around the purchased lands, we will take measures jointly with relevant businesses, including setting up security cameras, patrolling, and providing support to security groups.
As for improvements to urban planning roads 3, 4, and 18, the construction of Bridge 1 has been mostly completed. We will proceed with the construction of two more bridges in addition to those under construction and simultaneously work to purchase lands yet to be purchased.
（4）Safety and security
Next, the topic is safety and security
Many aspects threaten citizens' lives, including earthquakes, flooding and other natural disasters, crime, traffic accidents, the global spread of infectious diseases, and terrorist attacks. Ichikawa City has set up a risk management section in fiscal year 2006 to establish a comprehensive response system to address the above.
Firstly, as for the Civil Protection Plan, we have drawn up a plan based on the report submitted earlier by the Ichikawa City Civil Protection Conference. From now on, we will work to develop various effective manuals.
The opening of Hiroo Disaster Prevention Park has been long awaited, given the lack of evacuation areas in the Minami-Gyotoku District. We are to conduct various surveys, draw up an execution design, and construct a rainwater storage tank for the opening of the park in 2010.
There is a need to set up disaster headquarters in the City Office in case of a disaster. In order to supplement the above function, the communication capabilities of the Lifelong Learning Center will be improved. In addition to the satellite cell phones set in district bases, etc., priority cell phones for use in a disaster will be provided to staff working in the headquarters.
Moreover, in order to improve the disaster prevention ability of the community, we will nurture community disaster prevention leaders and develop an evacuation support plan for those requiring assistance in the event of a disaster.
To enhance the ability to fight fire, we will prepare fire fighting vehicles, including the deployment of three two-wheeled motorcycles (red motorcycles) for firefighting activities in built-up urban areas. Moreover, to secure water for fire fighting in case of a major earthquake, etc. 100-ton class quake-resistant water storage tanks will be set respectively in Shioyaki and Toukagi Elementary Schools, while the 6th and 21st Squad Stations will also be rebuilt in an effort to improve fire fighting facilities.
As for quake-resistance diagnosis, we will provide education and guidance on the need for improved quake-resistance and continue to subsidize part of the expenses required for quake-resistance diagnosis to existing private buildings not meeting current quake-resistance standards. Moreover, in response to the revision of the Law on the Promotion of Renovation for Earthquake-Resistant Structures, we will develop a "Plan to promote Renovation for Earthquake-Resistant Structures" for the systematic promotion of improved earthquake-resistance in the whole City.
As for flood prevention measures, we will have the bank of Ogashiwa River reconstructed, using the neo-natural river reconstruction method, as the Urban Infrastructure River Reconstruction Project, continue to make improvements to address an hourly precipitation of 50mm, and construct a main drainage canal in Kokubun 4-chome.
Moreover, to reduce damage in flood-prone areas, we will build drainage facilities in Inakoshi, Baraki, and Koya Districts as an emergency measure.
Concerning crime prevention measures, the number of crimes committed in the City peaked in fiscal year 2002 and then decreased for four consecutive years, which is a positive result of the efforts that have been made by the whole community. Again in this coming fiscal year, we will provide support to Community Associations, etc. that are engaging in voluntary crime prevention activities and maintain and improve the community crime prevention system based on the collaboration of citizens, the City Government, organizations concerned, and others such as volunteer patrolling and patrolling for town safety.
The Crime Prevention Patrol Program, using vehicles with a blue revolving light, will be expanded from the current 12- to a 16-member system and collaboration with businesses and private organizations will be enhanced.
Regarding measures against sudden illnesses, in order to improve the pediatric emergency care system, an outpatient pediatrician will be on duty overnight on weekdays in addition to the current days of duty of Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and year-end through new year holidays. Moreover, in order to improve the survival rate of patients affected by cardio-respiratory arrests, 108 AED units (automated external defibrillator) will be installed in the City Government Office and other facilities, including elementary and junior high schools.
Many aspects threaten citizens' lives, including earthquakes, flooding and other natural disasters, crime, traffic accidents, the global spread of infectious diseases, and terrorist attacks. Ichikawa City has set up a risk management section in fiscal year 2006 to establish a comprehensive response system to address the above.
Firstly, as for the Civil Protection Plan, we have drawn up a plan based on the report submitted earlier by the Ichikawa City Civil Protection Conference. From now on, we will work to develop various effective manuals.
The opening of Hiroo Disaster Prevention Park has been long awaited, given the lack of evacuation areas in the Minami-Gyotoku District. We are to conduct various surveys, draw up an execution design, and construct a rainwater storage tank for the opening of the park in 2010.
There is a need to set up disaster headquarters in the City Office in case of a disaster. In order to supplement the above function, the communication capabilities of the Lifelong Learning Center will be improved. In addition to the satellite cell phones set in district bases, etc., priority cell phones for use in a disaster will be provided to staff working in the headquarters.
Moreover, in order to improve the disaster prevention ability of the community, we will nurture community disaster prevention leaders and develop an evacuation support plan for those requiring assistance in the event of a disaster.
To enhance the ability to fight fire, we will prepare fire fighting vehicles, including the deployment of three two-wheeled motorcycles (red motorcycles) for firefighting activities in built-up urban areas. Moreover, to secure water for fire fighting in case of a major earthquake, etc. 100-ton class quake-resistant water storage tanks will be set respectively in Shioyaki and Toukagi Elementary Schools, while the 6th and 21st Squad Stations will also be rebuilt in an effort to improve fire fighting facilities.
As for quake-resistance diagnosis, we will provide education and guidance on the need for improved quake-resistance and continue to subsidize part of the expenses required for quake-resistance diagnosis to existing private buildings not meeting current quake-resistance standards. Moreover, in response to the revision of the Law on the Promotion of Renovation for Earthquake-Resistant Structures, we will develop a "Plan to promote Renovation for Earthquake-Resistant Structures" for the systematic promotion of improved earthquake-resistance in the whole City.
As for flood prevention measures, we will have the bank of Ogashiwa River reconstructed, using the neo-natural river reconstruction method, as the Urban Infrastructure River Reconstruction Project, continue to make improvements to address an hourly precipitation of 50mm, and construct a main drainage canal in Kokubun 4-chome.
Moreover, to reduce damage in flood-prone areas, we will build drainage facilities in Inakoshi, Baraki, and Koya Districts as an emergency measure.
Concerning crime prevention measures, the number of crimes committed in the City peaked in fiscal year 2002 and then decreased for four consecutive years, which is a positive result of the efforts that have been made by the whole community. Again in this coming fiscal year, we will provide support to Community Associations, etc. that are engaging in voluntary crime prevention activities and maintain and improve the community crime prevention system based on the collaboration of citizens, the City Government, organizations concerned, and others such as volunteer patrolling and patrolling for town safety.
The Crime Prevention Patrol Program, using vehicles with a blue revolving light, will be expanded from the current 12- to a 16-member system and collaboration with businesses and private organizations will be enhanced.
Regarding measures against sudden illnesses, in order to improve the pediatric emergency care system, an outpatient pediatrician will be on duty overnight on weekdays in addition to the current days of duty of Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and year-end through new year holidays. Moreover, in order to improve the survival rate of patients affected by cardio-respiratory arrests, 108 AED units (automated external defibrillator) will be installed in the City Government Office and other facilities, including elementary and junior high schools.
（5）Improvement of educational environment
Next, I will discuss issues concerning education, including those under the control of the Board of Education.
Education is the basis of the development of a nation, society, and human beings and nowadays, there are active discussions concerning educational reform. Ichikawa City has worked to securely teach the basics and fundamentals to schoolchildren and students and help develop secure academic abilities, and at the same time implemented unique activities such as the Project for Building Schools Featuring Creativity and Dynamism. We will continue our efforts toward further improving the educational environment in order to increase the City's ability to provide education in the next fiscal year.
Firstly, as to promote classes with fewer children/students, a system of different teachers presenting different subjects has been implemented for certain subjects. The system is implemented mainly for fifth and sixth graders in elementary schools and according to proficiency in junior high schools. Assistant teachers worked in 20 schools in fiscal year 2006, and in the upcoming fiscal year, will work in 35 schools.
Special needs education will be implemented on a full scale in elementary and junior high schools for children and students with minor developmental disorders, and accordingly, we will work to provide useful advice and guidance for the teachers in charge.
As for education for international understanding, 16 assistant language teachers (ALT) will be dispatched to every junior high school in the City to enhance English education, as well as some of the elementary schools. A team of 13 human resources with English conversation skills will be dispatched to every elementary school in the City to assist elementary school teachers.
School lunches are served using reinforced porcelain tableware to improve the food environment. In the new fiscal year, the above tableware will be introduced to 4 elementary schools and 2 junior high schools, which will complete the introduction to every elementary/junior high school in the City.
As for improving the physical abilities of schoolchildren and students, we will promote the Healthy School Project, which I mentioned earlier in the context of Healthy City, and dispatch, as instructors, local human resources with professional leadership in order to promote school club activities in elementary and junior high schools.
Anti-seismic reinforcement work for elementary and junior high school buildings will be implemented for the school building of Minami-Gyotoku and Inakoshi Elementary Schools, that of the disabled children's school (special needs school) and for the gymnasiums of Ogashiwa, Minami-Niihama, and Ono Elementary Schools.
Also, to improve the educational environment, we will conduct a survey for the installation of air conditioners in regular classes.
To address the shortage of classrooms, the school buildings of Kashiwai and Ono Elementary Schools will be expanded.
To establish a branch school of a disabled children's school (special needs school) in the premises of the Inakoshi Elementary School, refurbishment will be completed for the scheduled opening in April 2008, and preparations, including training sessions for teachers, will be made.
（6）Promotion of e-local government
Next, I will talk about the promotion of e-local government.
Ichikawa City has engaged in various activities as an e-autonomous community for the qualitative improvement of administrative services to citizens, improved efficiency and sophistication of administrative management, and enhanced civic activities. The City was among the "2006 Top Seven Intelligent Communities" as selected by the World Teleport Association in June last year. Moreover, the City received the Commendation by Minister of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications for Information Communication Month in June last year. Thus, the City has been highly evaluated, both domestically and abroad.
With the further convenience of citizens our highest priority, we will strive to promote e-local government as one of the brands of Ichikawa City.
In providing services through information technologies, electronic application procedures have been made available since fiscal year 2006, via which various procedures conventionally conducted over the counter can now be processed electronically over the Internet. The menu will be expanded further in the new fiscal year.
Currently, the number of users of the basic resident register card is steadily increasing, thanks partly to the diffusion campaign. A total of 23 automatic issuing machines for issuing various certificates and welfare tickets with the above card has been installed in the Ichikawa City Office Citizens Department, Gyotoku Branch Office, Community Center, Shiohama Gymnasium, etc. During the new fiscal year, the device will also be installed in major railway stations in the City. Moreover, we are discussing a system that can be used for safety confirmation in case of a disaster in our efforts to expand the range of service and thus persuade more citizens to use the card.
To provide information over the Internet, the Ichikawa City website will be totally renewed for improved contents, easier search, and increased user-friendliness to ensure it is as effective as an actual visit to the City Office.
Other than the above, we will start an Internet broadcasting station so that citizens can view videos produced by citizens, City projects, presentation of events, etc., information on lifelong learning, and others, whenever they want to.
As for security measures, we will maintain ISO27001 (international standards) certification for the information security management system and properly protect and manage information properties through training programs for the increased security awareness of employees and external storage of backup data.
Moreover, conventional systems, using large-scale general purpose computers for use in citizens' records, welfare, and tax purposes will be scrapped and we will be using a server system under the "Information System Rebuilding Project."
As for IT training courses, an advanced class for those having completed the basic course has been provided, starting from fiscal year 2006. A course to train local IT leaders will start in the new fiscal year, and at the same time, an IT human resources registration system will be discussed.
As to promote e-Community Association, 16 community associations, among those that currently have their own webpage, are using the support system provided by the city, and accordingly, we will continue to work to expand the project.
Ichikawa City has engaged in various activities as an e-autonomous community for the qualitative improvement of administrative services to citizens, improved efficiency and sophistication of administrative management, and enhanced civic activities. The City was among the "2006 Top Seven Intelligent Communities" as selected by the World Teleport Association in June last year. Moreover, the City received the Commendation by Minister of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications for Information Communication Month in June last year. Thus, the City has been highly evaluated, both domestically and abroad.
With the further convenience of citizens our highest priority, we will strive to promote e-local government as one of the brands of Ichikawa City.
In providing services through information technologies, electronic application procedures have been made available since fiscal year 2006, via which various procedures conventionally conducted over the counter can now be processed electronically over the Internet. The menu will be expanded further in the new fiscal year.
Currently, the number of users of the basic resident register card is steadily increasing, thanks partly to the diffusion campaign. A total of 23 automatic issuing machines for issuing various certificates and welfare tickets with the above card has been installed in the Ichikawa City Office Citizens Department, Gyotoku Branch Office, Community Center, Shiohama Gymnasium, etc. During the new fiscal year, the device will also be installed in major railway stations in the City. Moreover, we are discussing a system that can be used for safety confirmation in case of a disaster in our efforts to expand the range of service and thus persuade more citizens to use the card.
To provide information over the Internet, the Ichikawa City website will be totally renewed for improved contents, easier search, and increased user-friendliness to ensure it is as effective as an actual visit to the City Office.
Other than the above, we will start an Internet broadcasting station so that citizens can view videos produced by citizens, City projects, presentation of events, etc., information on lifelong learning, and others, whenever they want to.
As for security measures, we will maintain ISO27001 (international standards) certification for the information security management system and properly protect and manage information properties through training programs for the increased security awareness of employees and external storage of backup data.
Moreover, conventional systems, using large-scale general purpose computers for use in citizens' records, welfare, and tax purposes will be scrapped and we will be using a server system under the "Information System Rebuilding Project."
As for IT training courses, an advanced class for those having completed the basic course has been provided, starting from fiscal year 2006. A course to train local IT leaders will start in the new fiscal year, and at the same time, an IT human resources registration system will be discussed.
As to promote e-Community Association, 16 community associations, among those that currently have their own webpage, are using the support system provided by the city, and accordingly, we will continue to work to expand the project.
（7）Town development of the Gyotoku Area
Next, I will discuss the town development of the Gyotoku Area.
In the Gyotoku Area, which is home to more than 150 thousand citizens, many longstanding issues of Ichikawa City are starting all at once, including the Edo River Terminal Treatment Plant and the town development of Sanbanse and the surrounding area. We will develop the area in an integrated manner, exploiting its characteristics.
The buildings of Gyotoku Branch Office and Community Center are already decrepit. Therefore, their degree of deterioration will be checked preceding the refurbishment, and at the same time discussions will be made on the desirable nature of the Branch Office as a venue for administrative, cultural, and civic exchanges in future.
An improvement project of Shiohama District is underway implemented jointly by the City, businesses in the District, and the landowners. In the new fiscal year, we will set up a project plan to improve infrastructure, hold meetings to determine the district plan, and develop application requirements. Moreover, to ensure the effective use of the site of the improvement project around Ichikawa Shiohama Station, we will invite project proposals concerning means of attracting commercial facilities, which are urgently required by citizens.
As for the Ichikawa Fishing Port, various surveys will be conducted based on the basic plan that specifies the size and location of major facilities, such as the breakwater and shallow draft quay.
There was a plan to build a community zone with an elementary school, a sport facility, and a welfare facility, etc. on land adjacent to the site scheduled to house a sewage terminal treatment plant in the Hon-Gyotoku Ishigakijo Tohin District. The elementary school, however, will not be built, because the existing elementary school is likely to meet capacity needs. Moreover, we will urgently review the land use plan of the relevant site due to the revision of the City Planning Law.
Ichikawa City is working on the district along the old Edo River to make it a space for citizens to enjoy the history and water, setting the area around the Joyato (night-light constructed in the Edo Era) as a model super embankment district. During the new fiscal year, a retaining wall, steps, and slopes will be constructed and the Joyato will be relocated. To improve the landscape, the power poles on the Teramachi Street will be removed and designing of Gongenmichi and Takumibori streets will be conducted.
Moreover, street lights will be erected on the walking trail along the old Edo River, based on an annual plan, to improve the landscape, enhance crime prevention and act as an evacuation route.
As a measure to mitigate flooding damage in this district, the drainage capacity of the three drainage facilities and the main drainage canal will be increased to enable hourly precipitation of 50mm to be addressed and thereby improve the flood-control capability.
As mentioned earlier in the safety and security section, there will be fire fighting facilities, a nursery, and a small-scale special elderly nursing home on the land adjacent to the Hiroo Disaster Prevention Park. In the new fiscal year, surveys on the geology and existing conditions will also be conducted for a welfare facility.
As for improvements to parks, etc., decrepit fences will be removed and replaced by shrubby plants based on an annual plan. In the new fiscal year, the work will be started in Tokaimen Park. Moreover, Shiohama Daini Park will also be improved to enable citizens to enjoy skateboarding, etc. in the park scheduled to open in summer. As for the Teramachi Park, an execution design will be drawn up to reconstruct it in a way not to interfere with the historical appearance of the town.
Moreover, the land covering the Nakae River, now an underground canal, will be improved to make it a greenery promenade based on citizens' opinions.
As for the greenery space in the neighborhood of Gyotoku, we will request Chiba Prefecture to make it a space that enables more people to enjoy nature, based on proposals from citizens' round table conferences and public comments.
The above are Ichikawa City's priority measures and to implement them, we will reform part of the administrative organization and establish a new system.
Firstly, in order to establish a system to proceed with the improvement of urban infrastructure, the Town Development Department and the Urban Planning Department will be integrated, and sports-related office works will be transferred from the Board of Education to the Health Department, renaming it the Health Sports Department, for enhanced collaboration between health and sports sectors. Moreover, the Culture Department will be renamed the Culture and International Department for a wider scope of international exchanges. Furthermore, the functions of the Gyotoku Branch Office will be enhanced to establish a system that makes it possible to locally solve local problems.
The flattening of the department structure will also be promoted as part of the organization to enhance office work efficiency and increase intra-department collaboration.
In the Gyotoku Area, which is home to more than 150 thousand citizens, many longstanding issues of Ichikawa City are starting all at once, including the Edo River Terminal Treatment Plant and the town development of Sanbanse and the surrounding area. We will develop the area in an integrated manner, exploiting its characteristics.
The buildings of Gyotoku Branch Office and Community Center are already decrepit. Therefore, their degree of deterioration will be checked preceding the refurbishment, and at the same time discussions will be made on the desirable nature of the Branch Office as a venue for administrative, cultural, and civic exchanges in future.
An improvement project of Shiohama District is underway implemented jointly by the City, businesses in the District, and the landowners. In the new fiscal year, we will set up a project plan to improve infrastructure, hold meetings to determine the district plan, and develop application requirements. Moreover, to ensure the effective use of the site of the improvement project around Ichikawa Shiohama Station, we will invite project proposals concerning means of attracting commercial facilities, which are urgently required by citizens.
As for the Ichikawa Fishing Port, various surveys will be conducted based on the basic plan that specifies the size and location of major facilities, such as the breakwater and shallow draft quay.
There was a plan to build a community zone with an elementary school, a sport facility, and a welfare facility, etc. on land adjacent to the site scheduled to house a sewage terminal treatment plant in the Hon-Gyotoku Ishigakijo Tohin District. The elementary school, however, will not be built, because the existing elementary school is likely to meet capacity needs. Moreover, we will urgently review the land use plan of the relevant site due to the revision of the City Planning Law.
Ichikawa City is working on the district along the old Edo River to make it a space for citizens to enjoy the history and water, setting the area around the Joyato (night-light constructed in the Edo Era) as a model super embankment district. During the new fiscal year, a retaining wall, steps, and slopes will be constructed and the Joyato will be relocated. To improve the landscape, the power poles on the Teramachi Street will be removed and designing of Gongenmichi and Takumibori streets will be conducted.
Moreover, street lights will be erected on the walking trail along the old Edo River, based on an annual plan, to improve the landscape, enhance crime prevention and act as an evacuation route.
As a measure to mitigate flooding damage in this district, the drainage capacity of the three drainage facilities and the main drainage canal will be increased to enable hourly precipitation of 50mm to be addressed and thereby improve the flood-control capability.
As mentioned earlier in the safety and security section, there will be fire fighting facilities, a nursery, and a small-scale special elderly nursing home on the land adjacent to the Hiroo Disaster Prevention Park. In the new fiscal year, surveys on the geology and existing conditions will also be conducted for a welfare facility.
As for improvements to parks, etc., decrepit fences will be removed and replaced by shrubby plants based on an annual plan. In the new fiscal year, the work will be started in Tokaimen Park. Moreover, Shiohama Daini Park will also be improved to enable citizens to enjoy skateboarding, etc. in the park scheduled to open in summer. As for the Teramachi Park, an execution design will be drawn up to reconstruct it in a way not to interfere with the historical appearance of the town.
Moreover, the land covering the Nakae River, now an underground canal, will be improved to make it a greenery promenade based on citizens' opinions.
As for the greenery space in the neighborhood of Gyotoku, we will request Chiba Prefecture to make it a space that enables more people to enjoy nature, based on proposals from citizens' round table conferences and public comments.
The above are Ichikawa City's priority measures and to implement them, we will reform part of the administrative organization and establish a new system.
Firstly, in order to establish a system to proceed with the improvement of urban infrastructure, the Town Development Department and the Urban Planning Department will be integrated, and sports-related office works will be transferred from the Board of Education to the Health Department, renaming it the Health Sports Department, for enhanced collaboration between health and sports sectors. Moreover, the Culture Department will be renamed the Culture and International Department for a wider scope of international exchanges. Furthermore, the functions of the Gyotoku Branch Office will be enhanced to establish a system that makes it possible to locally solve local problems.
The flattening of the department structure will also be promoted as part of the organization to enhance office work efficiency and increase intra-department collaboration.
3．Major Policies for the New Fiscal Year
I will discuss the major policies for the new fiscal year, in addition to the priority policies discussed earlier, according to the 5 basic objectives of the Comprehensive Plan.
A town where we feel true wealth
Firstly, I will discuss measures to realize a "Town where we feel true wealth".
As for measures for elderly citizens, we will work to establish newly facilities that provide community-based services, including small-scale multi-function home nursing care service and small-sized special elderly nursing homes. We will further work for Tokutei Koreisha, or elderly citizens likely to be in need of support and nursing care, to enhance preventive approaches. In addition, as a measure to reduce the cost burden of care, we will continue to issue certificates of eligibility for income and resident tax exemption for disabled persons.
As for the Community Care System, the range of activity will be expanded city-wide during the new fiscal year, and we will also newly open 25 saloons, as venues for the mutual support of local citizens, to further improve activities.
As a measure to support those with disabilities, reconstruction work on the decrepit Shokaen will be started to increase the capacity by 5 to up to 40.
With the enforcement of the Law for Independence of Persons with Disabilities, Ichikawa City continues to take its own measures to reduce the burden, in terms of part of the out-of-pocket service expenses, and moreover, also provides classes and training sessions to educate guide helpers who help disabled people in transportation.
As for efforts to help homeless people become financially independent, a Street Corner Consultation Office was set up in Minami-Gyotoku in fiscal year 2006. In the new fiscal year, medical specialty staff will be stationed to properly address the health worries of homeless people as a way of upgrading the consultation office functions.
As for lifelong education, the Shonen Shizen-no-Ie (Young Citizen's Nature House) will be refurbished to open in July in order to further promote inter-generation exchanges; mainly among young citizens. Also, the Main Hall of the Sugadaira Plateau Ichikawa Village will be renovated into private rooms to meet users' needs.
As for libraries, the Gyotoku Library will open on National Holidays on a trial basis, following the example of the Central Library.
For employment support for young citizens, "Young Job Support Ichikawa" will be established along with the Senior Citizens Job Counseling Room, so that the location may serve as a venue not only for gathering employment information but also for cross-generation exchanges among job-seekers.
The Consumer Affairs Center will start a class delivery service, etc., targeted mainly at elderly and young citizens, as a countermeasure to malicious business operations such as fictitious claims. The Center will also make educational efforts, improve the consulting service system, and work to prevent damages and provide help to consumers.
For a gender-equal society, the Ichikawa City Basic Regulations on Gender-Equal Society was enacted at the meeting of the City Council held in December last year, initiated by council members. In the new fiscal year, we will develop a leaflet with high school students as targets from the viewpoint of preventing domestic violence in future.
As for measures for elderly citizens, we will work to establish newly facilities that provide community-based services, including small-scale multi-function home nursing care service and small-sized special elderly nursing homes. We will further work for Tokutei Koreisha, or elderly citizens likely to be in need of support and nursing care, to enhance preventive approaches. In addition, as a measure to reduce the cost burden of care, we will continue to issue certificates of eligibility for income and resident tax exemption for disabled persons.
As for the Community Care System, the range of activity will be expanded city-wide during the new fiscal year, and we will also newly open 25 saloons, as venues for the mutual support of local citizens, to further improve activities.
As a measure to support those with disabilities, reconstruction work on the decrepit Shokaen will be started to increase the capacity by 5 to up to 40.
With the enforcement of the Law for Independence of Persons with Disabilities, Ichikawa City continues to take its own measures to reduce the burden, in terms of part of the out-of-pocket service expenses, and moreover, also provides classes and training sessions to educate guide helpers who help disabled people in transportation.
As for efforts to help homeless people become financially independent, a Street Corner Consultation Office was set up in Minami-Gyotoku in fiscal year 2006. In the new fiscal year, medical specialty staff will be stationed to properly address the health worries of homeless people as a way of upgrading the consultation office functions.
As for lifelong education, the Shonen Shizen-no-Ie (Young Citizen's Nature House) will be refurbished to open in July in order to further promote inter-generation exchanges; mainly among young citizens. Also, the Main Hall of the Sugadaira Plateau Ichikawa Village will be renovated into private rooms to meet users' needs.
As for libraries, the Gyotoku Library will open on National Holidays on a trial basis, following the example of the Central Library.
For employment support for young citizens, "Young Job Support Ichikawa" will be established along with the Senior Citizens Job Counseling Room, so that the location may serve as a venue not only for gathering employment information but also for cross-generation exchanges among job-seekers.
The Consumer Affairs Center will start a class delivery service, etc., targeted mainly at elderly and young citizens, as a countermeasure to malicious business operations such as fictitious claims. The Center will also make educational efforts, improve the consulting service system, and work to prevent damages and provide help to consumers.
For a gender-equal society, the Ichikawa City Basic Regulations on Gender-Equal Society was enacted at the meeting of the City Council held in December last year, initiated by council members. In the new fiscal year, we will develop a leaflet with high school students as targets from the viewpoint of preventing domestic violence in future.
Town that promotes a rich variety of culture and the arts
Next, the topic is measures to realize a “Town that promotes a rich variety of culture and the arts."
As for the Town Development with Street Corner Museum Project, the “round table conference on cultural street corners and town development," which was held in Ichikawa City Mama District, will also be held in Kokubun District, in order to promote cultural town activities in the area by setting up guideboards, etc. and creating maps for tourists to facilitate touring.
As for citizens' cultural volunteering, volunteers will be requested to make supporter's license registration and work as human resources to support civic culture.
The Cultural Figures Exhibition to present leading cultural figures related to Ichikawa City to be held in the new fiscal year will be the 9th in the series, featuring Mr. Michio Hoshino, a photographer.
As for the Higashiyama Kaii Memorial Hall, Ichikawa City is to purchase a painting by the artist to enable the holding of higher-level exhibitions, and moreover, will develop a plan for a memorial hall integrated into the surrounding environment to make his residence and atelier open to the public.
As for the Literature Plaza, various materials will be collected, organized, and categorized for the concept of a literature museum in future.
To conserve historical sites, we will keep working to make Soya Kaizuka (shell mound) publicly-owned. As for cultural properties, Ichikawa City will subsidize the conservation and renovation of the gate of Tokuganji Temple and the five-story pagoda of Hokekyoji Temple.
As for international exchanges, we are to hold a commemorative event, as the new fiscal year marks the 45th anniversary of the signing of the sister city agreement with the City of Gardena, California, U.S.A., and dispatch an official delegation/a youth delegation to further strengthen the ties of friendship.
As part of the activities of international exchanges through sports, we are to provide support to youth soccer and baseball teams playing games overseas.
As for foreign citizens living in Ichikawa, we will provide a telephone service to provide useful information on everyday living in English and improve over-the-counter consultation services at the consultation desk for foreign citizens to substantiate the project and promote the co-existence of multiple cultures within the community.
As for the Town Development with Street Corner Museum Project, the “round table conference on cultural street corners and town development," which was held in Ichikawa City Mama District, will also be held in Kokubun District, in order to promote cultural town activities in the area by setting up guideboards, etc. and creating maps for tourists to facilitate touring.
As for citizens' cultural volunteering, volunteers will be requested to make supporter's license registration and work as human resources to support civic culture.
The Cultural Figures Exhibition to present leading cultural figures related to Ichikawa City to be held in the new fiscal year will be the 9th in the series, featuring Mr. Michio Hoshino, a photographer.
As for the Higashiyama Kaii Memorial Hall, Ichikawa City is to purchase a painting by the artist to enable the holding of higher-level exhibitions, and moreover, will develop a plan for a memorial hall integrated into the surrounding environment to make his residence and atelier open to the public.
As for the Literature Plaza, various materials will be collected, organized, and categorized for the concept of a literature museum in future.
To conserve historical sites, we will keep working to make Soya Kaizuka (shell mound) publicly-owned. As for cultural properties, Ichikawa City will subsidize the conservation and renovation of the gate of Tokuganji Temple and the five-story pagoda of Hokekyoji Temple.
As for international exchanges, we are to hold a commemorative event, as the new fiscal year marks the 45th anniversary of the signing of the sister city agreement with the City of Gardena, California, U.S.A., and dispatch an official delegation/a youth delegation to further strengthen the ties of friendship.
As part of the activities of international exchanges through sports, we are to provide support to youth soccer and baseball teams playing games overseas.
As for foreign citizens living in Ichikawa, we will provide a telephone service to provide useful information on everyday living in English and improve over-the-counter consultation services at the consultation desk for foreign citizens to substantiate the project and promote the co-existence of multiple cultures within the community.
Safe, comfortable and attractive Town
Next, the topic is measures to realize a "Safe, comfortable and attractive Town."
As for improving city roads, we will purchase land to expand the roads around the Omachi Recreation Zone and Ichikawa Ono Station to ensure the safety of pedestrians and increased smoothness of community traffic.
Moreover, routes with damaged roads, road gutters, etc. will be renovated and quake-resistance diagnosis, reinforcements, and repairs of major bridges will be implemented systematically.
The community bus has been running in two districts since October 2005 as a social experiment preceding the actual operation. We will continue the above social experiment in order to examine the effects of the project.
Three bicycle parking lots, including Ichikawa Daiichi, Yawada Daisan, Minami-Gyotoku Daiichi, will be renovated, while at the same time, execution design of the underground mechanical bicycle parking facilities planned to be set at the JR Ichikawa Station North Exit will be drawn up. Moreover, we will examine the effects of the bicycle rental service for commuters and students, which has been made available on an experimental basis since February 2007.
As for the problem of bicycles on the city road running in front of the Yawata Elementary School, we will implement improved measures to increase the safety of commuters and schoolchildren.
In our efforts toward the "construction of user-friendly roads," we will eliminate level differences between the sidewalk and street in front of the JR Ichikawa Station North Exit and Minami-Yawata 4-chome area, etc. and newly construct street lights or increase the intensity of existing lights around major railway stations. Moreover, we will work to remove the power poles on the Nakayama Approach Way, etc.
In an effort to make public facilities barrier-free, we will subsidize the installation of an elevator system in Ichikawa Mama Station, and also install elevator systems in two locations in the funeral hall based on a number of requests from citizens.
As for the public sewage system, it will be improved as a plane, covering the relevant wastewater treatment districts along the line as well as Nakayama and Takaishigami Districts in the Nishiura Wastewater Treatment District, in order to broaden the area where the service is available. Moreover, for districts where the sewage system is yet to be available, part of the installment expenses will be subsidized for the new installment of combined-type private sewage treatment tank or for the transfer from a single-type private sewage treatment tank to a combined-type private sewage treatment tank.
The establishment of the "Ordinance on Citizens and Rainwater" by Ichikawa City is attracting attention as the first of its kind in Japan and the City received the Incentive Award of the 2006 Japan Water Award. More than 2,300 rainwater infiltration bins have already been installed in the City. Moreover, 562 units have been installed in the Rainwater Infiltration Promotion Model Project based on the above ordinance, and another 200 units will be installed in Yawata 5-chome area during the new fiscal year.
As for municipal dwelling houses, there will be four renovation works, including that of the exterior walls of Shiohama Housing Complex Block 3, designing of the quake-resistance enhancement of Omachi Daisan Housing Complex Block A and Ainokawa Daini Housing Complex Block B.
To promote commerce, we will subsidize the cost of activities continuously implemented as the Shopping Street Revitalization Model Project and hold seminars to upgrade the management abilities and improve the management foundation; targeted at small and medium-sized business owners. Moreover, to support those intending to found a company in the City, we will newly deploy business incubation advisors to advise on incorporation procedures and management after foundation and will subsidize part of the office rent expenses.
To promote agriculture, we will support projects for the brand establishment of "Akizuki," a new variety of pear, along with the three main varieties, in order to promote the sales of Akizuki pears. We will also support the installation of equipment to prevent agrichemical spray drift and the growing of pears, tomatoes, and spinach with the reduced use of agricultural chemicals to secure food safety.
As for interactions between citizens and agriculture, in addition to the ten civic farms, currently in operation and one Fureai Noen (farm for friendly contacts with agriculture), another "Taiken Noen (farm for agricultural experience)" will open in Kashiwaimachi 4-chome in the new fiscal year, where visitors will experience farming, receiving guidance on the same.
As for improving city roads, we will purchase land to expand the roads around the Omachi Recreation Zone and Ichikawa Ono Station to ensure the safety of pedestrians and increased smoothness of community traffic.
Moreover, routes with damaged roads, road gutters, etc. will be renovated and quake-resistance diagnosis, reinforcements, and repairs of major bridges will be implemented systematically.
The community bus has been running in two districts since October 2005 as a social experiment preceding the actual operation. We will continue the above social experiment in order to examine the effects of the project.
Three bicycle parking lots, including Ichikawa Daiichi, Yawada Daisan, Minami-Gyotoku Daiichi, will be renovated, while at the same time, execution design of the underground mechanical bicycle parking facilities planned to be set at the JR Ichikawa Station North Exit will be drawn up. Moreover, we will examine the effects of the bicycle rental service for commuters and students, which has been made available on an experimental basis since February 2007.
As for the problem of bicycles on the city road running in front of the Yawata Elementary School, we will implement improved measures to increase the safety of commuters and schoolchildren.
In our efforts toward the "construction of user-friendly roads," we will eliminate level differences between the sidewalk and street in front of the JR Ichikawa Station North Exit and Minami-Yawata 4-chome area, etc. and newly construct street lights or increase the intensity of existing lights around major railway stations. Moreover, we will work to remove the power poles on the Nakayama Approach Way, etc.
In an effort to make public facilities barrier-free, we will subsidize the installation of an elevator system in Ichikawa Mama Station, and also install elevator systems in two locations in the funeral hall based on a number of requests from citizens.
As for the public sewage system, it will be improved as a plane, covering the relevant wastewater treatment districts along the line as well as Nakayama and Takaishigami Districts in the Nishiura Wastewater Treatment District, in order to broaden the area where the service is available. Moreover, for districts where the sewage system is yet to be available, part of the installment expenses will be subsidized for the new installment of combined-type private sewage treatment tank or for the transfer from a single-type private sewage treatment tank to a combined-type private sewage treatment tank.
The establishment of the "Ordinance on Citizens and Rainwater" by Ichikawa City is attracting attention as the first of its kind in Japan and the City received the Incentive Award of the 2006 Japan Water Award. More than 2,300 rainwater infiltration bins have already been installed in the City. Moreover, 562 units have been installed in the Rainwater Infiltration Promotion Model Project based on the above ordinance, and another 200 units will be installed in Yawata 5-chome area during the new fiscal year.
As for municipal dwelling houses, there will be four renovation works, including that of the exterior walls of Shiohama Housing Complex Block 3, designing of the quake-resistance enhancement of Omachi Daisan Housing Complex Block A and Ainokawa Daini Housing Complex Block B.
To promote commerce, we will subsidize the cost of activities continuously implemented as the Shopping Street Revitalization Model Project and hold seminars to upgrade the management abilities and improve the management foundation; targeted at small and medium-sized business owners. Moreover, to support those intending to found a company in the City, we will newly deploy business incubation advisors to advise on incorporation procedures and management after foundation and will subsidize part of the office rent expenses.
To promote agriculture, we will support projects for the brand establishment of "Akizuki," a new variety of pear, along with the three main varieties, in order to promote the sales of Akizuki pears. We will also support the installation of equipment to prevent agrichemical spray drift and the growing of pears, tomatoes, and spinach with the reduced use of agricultural chemicals to secure food safety.
As for interactions between citizens and agriculture, in addition to the ten civic farms, currently in operation and one Fureai Noen (farm for friendly contacts with agriculture), another "Taiken Noen (farm for agricultural experience)" will open in Kashiwaimachi 4-chome in the new fiscal year, where visitors will experience farming, receiving guidance on the same.
Town with men and nature coexisting
Next, the topic is measures to realize a "Town with men and nature coexisting."
This City received the FY2006 "Recycling- Co-existence- Participation-oriented City Development Award" from the Minister of the Environment. This was because a series of this City's efforts toward a better environment based on collaboration, including the conservation of greenery spaces, promotion of greening, and city development in waterfront areas, have been positively evaluated in a comprehensive manner.
Concerning the improvement of parks, as this year marks the 20th anniversary of the zoo and the botanical garden, restrooms in the zoo and the large greenhouse in the botanical garden will be renovated and a station building newly built for the miniature railroad as commemorative projects. Moreover, classes on animals and a birth month free admission service will be offered.
For the Kozukayama Park, we are to proceed to purchase the required land in the "Domeki Yazu" to expand the park and work for the coordination with the adjacent Horinouchi Kaizuka (shell mound) Park.
For the Konodai Ryokuchi (green space), improvement policies will be developed with the theme of "Konodai Fureai Saisei no Satoyama (countryside zone for the restoration of friendly contacts)," using recommendations from the Workshop as reference. Currently, public comments are being invited.
Moreover, the surrounding area of Rakan no i (a local heritage spot, literally meaning "arhat's well") in the Satomi Park will be improved, and guideboards in Konodai District will be effectively set to promote the networking of waterfront and greenery. "Ichikawa Green Day," featuring participation in various events and walking along a corridor course, will be held for parents and children to promote the attractive water and greenery in the north western region of the City.
The Okashiwa River Detention Pond 1 has been improved as the Waterfront Plaza Project, exploiting the positive participation by citizens, and will open in June this year. The Visitor Center, which is a facility for learning through doing, will open at the same time. From now on, we will manage and maintain the plaza as a valuable green space in an urban area.
The "Citizens' College of Greenery and Flowers," started in 2006, has been very popular among citizens and many students are actively learning there. In the new fiscal year, a practical course for those who completed the basic course on greenery will open in order to educate "green volunteers."
As for the environment, time capsules, in which schoolchildren and students placed their messages to the future environment a decade ago, will be opened at the Ichikawa Environment Fair in order to make it an occasion to think about the environment.
As measures against global warming, we will have eco-life promoters work to encourage living in an environmentally-friendly manner and subsidize the installation expenses of solar power systems.
The greening of factories, which have so far been implemented according to the guidelines, will be implemented under the Environmental Conservation Ordinance to improve the transparency of procedures. Additionally, roofs and walls will be targets for greening.
For the activities to promote a resource recycling-oriented society, we will work to reduce the amount of waste and turn it into resources collaboratively with recycling partners. Moreover, we will further expand the My Bag Campaign, in which consumers decline plastic grocery bags when shopping, by linking it with the Community Point System.
As part of the measures to turn garbage into resources, a biomass power generation model project has been implemented in 6 nurseries and 13 elementary and junior high schools in the Gyotoku District to examine, among others, the reduction in the amount of garbage that needs to be terminally treated by recycling garbage into resources.
Moreover, two further garbage treatment devices will be installed to promote the project of turning garbage into compost and reducing the amount of garbage.
The long-awaited residual heat utilization facilities will open this fall and the surrounding area of the Clean Center will be improved to make it a livelier space.
This City received the FY2006 "Recycling- Co-existence- Participation-oriented City Development Award" from the Minister of the Environment. This was because a series of this City's efforts toward a better environment based on collaboration, including the conservation of greenery spaces, promotion of greening, and city development in waterfront areas, have been positively evaluated in a comprehensive manner.
Concerning the improvement of parks, as this year marks the 20th anniversary of the zoo and the botanical garden, restrooms in the zoo and the large greenhouse in the botanical garden will be renovated and a station building newly built for the miniature railroad as commemorative projects. Moreover, classes on animals and a birth month free admission service will be offered.
For the Kozukayama Park, we are to proceed to purchase the required land in the "Domeki Yazu" to expand the park and work for the coordination with the adjacent Horinouchi Kaizuka (shell mound) Park.
For the Konodai Ryokuchi (green space), improvement policies will be developed with the theme of "Konodai Fureai Saisei no Satoyama (countryside zone for the restoration of friendly contacts)," using recommendations from the Workshop as reference. Currently, public comments are being invited.
Moreover, the surrounding area of Rakan no i (a local heritage spot, literally meaning "arhat's well") in the Satomi Park will be improved, and guideboards in Konodai District will be effectively set to promote the networking of waterfront and greenery. "Ichikawa Green Day," featuring participation in various events and walking along a corridor course, will be held for parents and children to promote the attractive water and greenery in the north western region of the City.
The Okashiwa River Detention Pond 1 has been improved as the Waterfront Plaza Project, exploiting the positive participation by citizens, and will open in June this year. The Visitor Center, which is a facility for learning through doing, will open at the same time. From now on, we will manage and maintain the plaza as a valuable green space in an urban area.
The "Citizens' College of Greenery and Flowers," started in 2006, has been very popular among citizens and many students are actively learning there. In the new fiscal year, a practical course for those who completed the basic course on greenery will open in order to educate "green volunteers."
As for the environment, time capsules, in which schoolchildren and students placed their messages to the future environment a decade ago, will be opened at the Ichikawa Environment Fair in order to make it an occasion to think about the environment.
As measures against global warming, we will have eco-life promoters work to encourage living in an environmentally-friendly manner and subsidize the installation expenses of solar power systems.
The greening of factories, which have so far been implemented according to the guidelines, will be implemented under the Environmental Conservation Ordinance to improve the transparency of procedures. Additionally, roofs and walls will be targets for greening.
For the activities to promote a resource recycling-oriented society, we will work to reduce the amount of waste and turn it into resources collaboratively with recycling partners. Moreover, we will further expand the My Bag Campaign, in which consumers decline plastic grocery bags when shopping, by linking it with the Community Point System.
As part of the measures to turn garbage into resources, a biomass power generation model project has been implemented in 6 nurseries and 13 elementary and junior high schools in the Gyotoku District to examine, among others, the reduction in the amount of garbage that needs to be terminally treated by recycling garbage into resources.
Moreover, two further garbage treatment devices will be installed to promote the project of turning garbage into compost and reducing the amount of garbage.
The long-awaited residual heat utilization facilities will open this fall and the surrounding area of the Clean Center will be improved to make it a livelier space.
Town Development by citizens with administration
Next, the topic is measures to realize a "Town Development by citizens with administration."
The "Chiiki Fureai Kan (community hall for friendly contacts)" has been enjoying popularity since its opening last summer. We will continue our efforts to increase the number of new users and the rate of facility usage in the new fiscal year.
As for public relations activities, the Ichikawa City Guide will be entirely revised, and a pocket-sized guide book on city administration overview developed. The airtime of the current public relations program, "My Town Ichikawa," on the Ichikawa Cable Network will also be extended with improved contents.
Concerning the "1% Support System," we have just revised the relevant ordinance to increase the number of selective support organizations to three. We will implement it as a new system that enables the support of organizations, using community points.
As for the office works outsourced by this City, we will work to secure quality in addition to a good price by incorporating advice from external specialists such as academic experts and based on the introduction of a Comprehensive Evaluation Bidding Method as a means of public procurement.
Moreover, an expert organization will be set up in order to standardize the estimate procedures, which have conducted individually to date.
To improve the environment for the payment of city taxes, etc., we have started using the Multi-Payment Network System, which enables payment through ATM or Internet banking in addition to the conventional payment over the counter at financial institutions, ahead of other municipalities. Payment can also be made at convenience stores. In the new fiscal year, in addition to the above, we will further improve the environment to enable account re-transfer payment and account transfer payment for those who wish to make prepayment for every tax payment period or those who wish to pay in installments.
"Ichikawa Citizens' City Development Bonds" will continue to be issued in amounts of 500 million yen for use to improve school facilities and fire fighting vehicles.
Concerning the salaries and compensation of officials in special public service, a proposal has been received from the Advisory Panel on the Compensation of Officials in Special Government Service to the effect that it is desirable that their salaries and compensations be reduced just like those in regular public service, and accordingly, the salaries of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Receiver, etc. will be revised as of April 1. Moreover, a proposal has been submitted to the current City Council meeting for the revision of ordinance to reduce the compensation of City Council members, etc. in a similar manner.
I have so far discussed priority and major policies. For the new fiscal year, we expect an increase in city tax revenue thanks to the tax system reform and the recovering economy, while on the other hand, the income transfer tax, part of the special grants to local governments, and bonds to supplement tax cuts will be abolished. Thus, we are in a difficult situation whereby the decrease in income due to the tax system reform will exceed the increase in city tax revenue.
Under these circumstances, we have drafted an effective and sound budget in order to steadily proceed with the 2nd Comprehensive 3-year Plan and at the same time, maintain the level of administrative services.
As a result, we drafted a general account budget of 118 billion yen, a 3.4% increase over the initial budget of the previous fiscal year. The total budget amount, consisting of the general, special, and public enterprise accounts, will be 215.151 billion yen, a 6.5% increase over the initial budget of the previous fiscal year.
The "Chiiki Fureai Kan (community hall for friendly contacts)" has been enjoying popularity since its opening last summer. We will continue our efforts to increase the number of new users and the rate of facility usage in the new fiscal year.
As for public relations activities, the Ichikawa City Guide will be entirely revised, and a pocket-sized guide book on city administration overview developed. The airtime of the current public relations program, "My Town Ichikawa," on the Ichikawa Cable Network will also be extended with improved contents.
Concerning the "1% Support System," we have just revised the relevant ordinance to increase the number of selective support organizations to three. We will implement it as a new system that enables the support of organizations, using community points.
As for the office works outsourced by this City, we will work to secure quality in addition to a good price by incorporating advice from external specialists such as academic experts and based on the introduction of a Comprehensive Evaluation Bidding Method as a means of public procurement.
Moreover, an expert organization will be set up in order to standardize the estimate procedures, which have conducted individually to date.
To improve the environment for the payment of city taxes, etc., we have started using the Multi-Payment Network System, which enables payment through ATM or Internet banking in addition to the conventional payment over the counter at financial institutions, ahead of other municipalities. Payment can also be made at convenience stores. In the new fiscal year, in addition to the above, we will further improve the environment to enable account re-transfer payment and account transfer payment for those who wish to make prepayment for every tax payment period or those who wish to pay in installments.
"Ichikawa Citizens' City Development Bonds" will continue to be issued in amounts of 500 million yen for use to improve school facilities and fire fighting vehicles.
Concerning the salaries and compensation of officials in special public service, a proposal has been received from the Advisory Panel on the Compensation of Officials in Special Government Service to the effect that it is desirable that their salaries and compensations be reduced just like those in regular public service, and accordingly, the salaries of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Receiver, etc. will be revised as of April 1. Moreover, a proposal has been submitted to the current City Council meeting for the revision of ordinance to reduce the compensation of City Council members, etc. in a similar manner.
I have so far discussed priority and major policies. For the new fiscal year, we expect an increase in city tax revenue thanks to the tax system reform and the recovering economy, while on the other hand, the income transfer tax, part of the special grants to local governments, and bonds to supplement tax cuts will be abolished. Thus, we are in a difficult situation whereby the decrease in income due to the tax system reform will exceed the increase in city tax revenue.
Under these circumstances, we have drafted an effective and sound budget in order to steadily proceed with the 2nd Comprehensive 3-year Plan and at the same time, maintain the level of administrative services.
As a result, we drafted a general account budget of 118 billion yen, a 3.4% increase over the initial budget of the previous fiscal year. The total budget amount, consisting of the general, special, and public enterprise accounts, will be 215.151 billion yen, a 6.5% increase over the initial budget of the previous fiscal year.
Closing Remarks
In the closing remarks in my administrative policy speech last year, I stated that we were to consider the theme of a government designated city. I think the move toward a government designated city is increasing in many communities, as decentralization and Doshusei (regional system) are increasingly frequently discussed. The Vision for Municipality Merger Promotion developed by Chiba Prefecture in December last year positioned the Higashi Katsushika and Katsunan areas where Ichikawa City belongs as regions requiring further upgrading.
Ichikawa City has set up a review organization responsible for promoting broader-based local government and further set up the Government Designated City Review Project with City employees as its members to investigate and study the issue. Moreover, the City has provided relevant information to citizens as needed through public relations activities and on the City website. Furthermore, the “First Extension Lecture on Broader-based Local Government" was held in January this year to discuss the issue of broader-based local governments, and the results of the questionnaire survey of participants included many positive opinions on government designated cities.
On the other hand, I hear that the Ichikawa City Council Members' Forum to discuss the issue of broader-based local governments was held and a report has recently been developed. Moreover, the Junior Chamber voluntarily conducted a questionnaire survey concerning the issue of Ichikawa City and broader-based merger.
As I mentioned earlier, becoming a government designated city is a very strong brand and highly beneficial for this City from the aspect of detailed administrative services through the establishment of administrative districts as well as that of a presence in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
It is often the case that various comparisons are made concerning the tax revenue, services to citizens, and the number of city government employees when becoming a government designated city. The above is important, of course, but what we should remember in the discussion is the vision we set for the future of this region, including Ichikawa, and how we will share it with citizens.
In the new fiscal year, we will study the issue jointly with four adjacent cities. Now that the major theme of a government designated city has been presented to us, we should discuss it more actively and find a responsible answer at an early date concerning our options for the future.
As mentioned above, I am determined to strive my utmost to firmly establish the basis for making Ichikawa a city loved by its citizens even more in this era of decentralization.
In concluding my speech, I wish to request the cooperation and understanding of the citizens and City Council members of Ichikawa City. Thank you all very much for your attention.
Ichikawa City has set up a review organization responsible for promoting broader-based local government and further set up the Government Designated City Review Project with City employees as its members to investigate and study the issue. Moreover, the City has provided relevant information to citizens as needed through public relations activities and on the City website. Furthermore, the “First Extension Lecture on Broader-based Local Government" was held in January this year to discuss the issue of broader-based local governments, and the results of the questionnaire survey of participants included many positive opinions on government designated cities.
On the other hand, I hear that the Ichikawa City Council Members' Forum to discuss the issue of broader-based local governments was held and a report has recently been developed. Moreover, the Junior Chamber voluntarily conducted a questionnaire survey concerning the issue of Ichikawa City and broader-based merger.
As I mentioned earlier, becoming a government designated city is a very strong brand and highly beneficial for this City from the aspect of detailed administrative services through the establishment of administrative districts as well as that of a presence in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
It is often the case that various comparisons are made concerning the tax revenue, services to citizens, and the number of city government employees when becoming a government designated city. The above is important, of course, but what we should remember in the discussion is the vision we set for the future of this region, including Ichikawa, and how we will share it with citizens.
In the new fiscal year, we will study the issue jointly with four adjacent cities. Now that the major theme of a government designated city has been presented to us, we should discuss it more actively and find a responsible answer at an early date concerning our options for the future.
As mentioned above, I am determined to strive my utmost to firmly establish the basis for making Ichikawa a city loved by its citizens even more in this era of decentralization.
In concluding my speech, I wish to request the cooperation and understanding of the citizens and City Council members of Ichikawa City. Thank you all very much for your attention.
Information published on this website by:
●Information on this page is published by:
Publicity Affairs Section, Planning Department
Ichikawa City Hall
Yawata 1-1-1, Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture
電話：047-334-1106 FAX：047-336-2300
Publicity Affairs Section, Planning Department
Ichikawa City Hall
Yawata 1-1-1, Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture
電話：047-334-1106 FAX：047-336-2300
