Major’s Remarks:
1. Thanks to the Economic Development Bureau and the Culture Affairs Bureau for their dedicated efforts in organizing the Taiwan Design Expo, which concluded successfully. The event attracted an impressive 4.2 million visitors, showcasing the city's unique fusion of history and technology. We ask the Culture Affairs Bureau to continue assisting with the dismantling of the exhibits and to collaborate with the Tourism and Travel Bureau to feature the West Market as another distinctive city tour option, alongside the Xinhua Fruit and Vegetable Market. In addition to the exhibits from the Taiwan Design Expo, the West Market also received high praise from visitors during the event. Following the expo, vendors will gradually settle into the West Market space. This move aims to sustain the expo’s momentum, revitalizing the economy and tourism within the West Market area. Through renovations, the West Market, once in decline, has been given a fresh look and is poised to become a new tourist attraction. We also request that the relevant bureaus and departments plan parking arrangements around the West Market area.
2. It is currently the peak season for many of Tainan’s agricultural specialties, including green-skinned ponkans, flax, burdock, milkfish, and mullet roe. All bureaus and departments are encouraged to promote the purchase of these local products among the public. Additionally, the Education Bureau is requested to implement food and agricultural education in schools, encouraging students to consume fresh, seasonal, locally grown fruits and vegetables. This initiative aims to foster a strong connection to and appreciation for local agriculture among Tainan students from a young age.
3. The Social Affairs Bureau is requested to compile the total subsidy amount for households affected by flooding during Typhoon Gaemi for my reference. Additionally, the Transportation Bureau is requested to compile the final total subsidy amount for vehicles damaged by flooding during Typhoon Gaemi for my reference.
Reports
1. The Transportation Bureau presented a report on the “Current Status and Future Plans for the Operation of Tainan City’s Public Bicycle Rental System” (refer to written sources for details).
Resolution: Approved for reference filing.
Mayor’s Comments:
Tainan City's climate is more stable than that of northern Taiwan, making it more conducive for citizens to ride public bicycles. Since the full implementation of YouBike in 2022, it has received positive feedback from the public. The city government has already met its goal of 500 stations and 5,000 bicycles ahead of schedule. The more densely located the stations are, the higher the usage rate will be. The Transportation Bureau is requested to expedite the completion of the 125 stations soon to be established to create a safer and more user-friendly cycling environment. We hope that both citizens and tourists will make greater use of public bicycles. Special thanks go to the Transportation Bureau for its efforts.
2. The Tourism and Travel Bureau presented a report titled "2024 Xinying Sweetness Festival" (refer to written sources for details).
Resolution: Approved for reference filing.
Mayor’s Comments:
(1) The Xinying Sweetness Festival and the Xinying Shimmer Festival, which began last year, were both held for the first time during my term and received positive feedback from the residents of Xinying District. When the city government organizes events, the goal is to stimulate the local economy, promote products, and boost tourism through activities. This year, the Xinying Sweetness Festival will be relocated to Nan Ying Green Park and will feature a combination of markets and stage performances. The Tourism Bureau is requested to develop a comprehensive transportation plan to prevent traffic congestion and avoid public complaints.
(2) The Civil Affairs Bureau, District Offices, Police Bureau, and other relevant bureaus and departments are requested to plan proactively for traffic diversion and parking and to negotiate with the Bank of Taiwan to use their parking lot for official and event vehicles, thereby leaving more parking spaces for the public to use.
(3) Relevant bureaus and departments are requested to market the various activities effectively to ensure their success and smooth execution.