Minutes of the 17th Meeting of the District Facilities Management Committee of the Council (2016-2019)

Date : 6 December 2018 (Thursday) Time : 2:30 p.m. Venue : Yau Tsim Mong District Council Conference Room 4/F, Government Offices 30 Luen Wan Street Mong Kok,

Present:

Chairman Mr CHOI Siu-fung, Benjamin

Vice-chairman Mr JO Chun-wah, Craig

District Council Members Mr IP Ngo-tung, Chris, JP Ms KWAN Sau-ling Ms WONG Shu-ming, MH Mr LAM Kin-man Mr CHAN Siu-tong, MH, JP Mr LAU Pak-kei Mr CHOW Chun-fai, BBS, JP Ms TANG Ming-sum, Michelle Mr CHUNG Chak-fai Mr WONG Kin-san Mr CHUNG Kong-mo, BBS, JP Mr YEUNG Tsz-hei, Benny, MH Mr HUI Tak-leung Mr YU Tak-po, Andy Mr HUNG Chiu-wah, Derek

Co-opted Members Mr CHAN Sik-ming Mr IP Siu-tak Mr SIU Hon-ping Mr CHAN Tak-lap Mr LEUNG Yiu-wah, Jackie Ms CHIN Pui-kwan Mr LEUNG Yui

Representatives of the Government Miss PONG Kin-wah, Assistant District Officer (Yau Tsim Home Affairs Department Katherine Mong) (1) Ms PONG Sze-wan, Senior Executive Officer (District Home Affairs Department Cecilia Management) (Acting), Yau Tsim Mong District Office Ms HO Wing-sze, Senior Manager (Kowloon West/ Leisure and Cultural Marianna Cultural Services) Services Department Mrs CHU LEE Mei-foon, Senior Librarian (Yau Tsim Mong) Leisure and Cultural Karen Services Department Mr LI Kuen-fat District Leisure Manager (Yau Tsim Leisure and Cultural Mong) Services Department Ms CHIU Shui-man, Deputy District Leisure Manager Leisure and Cultural Tabitha (District Support) Yau Tsim Mong Services Department

- 1 - Mr YIM Tsan-man Senior Inspector of Works (Kowloon) Home Affairs Department

In Attendance:

Mr SUNG Chung-man Assistant District Leisure Manager Leisure and Cultural (District Support) Yau Tsim Mong Services Department Mr WONG Chi-wah, Fred Librarian ( Public Library) Leisure and Cultural Services Department Mr CHAN Tsz-kin Senior Property Services Architectural Services Manager/Project Management 2 Department Ms CHOY Pik-kwan, Property Services Manager/Project Architectural Services Stella Management 22 Department Ms Marisa YIU Co-founder/Executive Director Design Trust Ms Joyce LI Programme Grant Manager Design Trust Mr Denny CHAN Project Assistant Design Trust Mr Samuel WONG Designer-mentee Design Trust Ms Vivian NG Designer-mentee Design Trust Mr HUNG Kam-fai Designer-mentee Design Trust Mr Xavier TSANG Designer-mentee Design Trust Mr Ricky LAI Designer-mentee Design Trust Ms LAU Siu-mui, Lily Manager (Kowloon West) Marketing, Leisure and Cultural Programme and District Activities Services Department Mr LI Wai-hei Inspector of Works (Kowloon) 1 Home Affairs Department Mr CHAN Tak-on, District Secretary, Yau Tsim Mong Home Affairs Department Thomas District Office

Secretary Miss FUNG Sze-laam, Executive Officer (District Council) 4, Home Affairs Department Serena Yau Tsim Mong District Office

Absent:

The Honourable TO District Council Member Kun-sun, James

Opening Remarks

The Chairman welcomed Members and government representatives to the meeting of the District Facilities Management Committee (“DFMC”).

Item 1: Confirmation of Minutes of Last Meeting

2. Minutes of the last meeting were confirmed without amendments.

(Mr CHAN Tak-lap joined the meeting at 2:32 p.m.)

- 2 -

Item 2: Request for Replanting under Corridor in (YTMDC DFMC Paper No. 55/2018)

3. The Chairman said that the written response from the Leisure and Cultural Services ----- Department (“LCSD”) (Annex 1) had been emailed to Members for their perusal before the meeting. He then welcomed Mr LI Kuen-fat, District Leisure Manager (Yau Tsim Mong), and Ms Tabitha CHIU, Deputy District Leisure Manager (District Support) Yau Tsim Mong, of the LCSD.

4. Mr LAU Pak-kei provided supplementary information on the paper, and said that planting had been carried out under the West Kowloon Corridor, but some species might not be suitable to be planted under flyovers. As the plants at certain locations had withered quickly, he hoped that the department would reconsider the species when carrying out replanting. Besides, he had learned from the written response that the department had planned to carry out planting in mid-January next year, and thanked the department for its active response.

(Ms KWAN Sau-ling joined the meeting at 2:35 p.m.)

5. Ms Tabitha CHIU said that the department had noted the problem of withered plants under the West Kowloon Corridor, and would replace such plants with perfume flower trees and variegated ivy trees for the coming planting, with a view to alleviating the problem.

(Mr Derek HUNG joined the meeting at 2:36 p.m.)

6. Mr LAU Pak-kei had noticed that the plants in the landscaped area opposite to Metro Harbour Plaza had never withered, and suggested that the department make reference to them. Besides, he accepted the department’s views on plant species, but relayed residents’ request for planting taller plants there.

7. Ms Tabitha CHIU said that a perfume flower tree was a flowering plant of about 1.6 metres tall, while a variegated ivy tree was a shade-tolerant, flowering foliage plant. The department hoped that the plants selected this time could improve and beautify the environment.

8. There being no further comment, the Chairman ended the discussion on this item.

Item 3: Report by the LCSD on Extension Activities and Usage of Public Libraries in September to October 2018 and Extension Activities Program Plan from December 2018 to January 2019 in Yau Tsim Mong (“YTM”) District (YTMDC DFMC Paper No. 56/2018)

9. The Chairman welcomed Mrs Karen CHU, Senior Librarian (Yau Tsim Mong), and Mr Fred WONG, Librarian (Yau Ma Tei Public Library), of the LCSD.

10. Mrs Karen CHU briefly introduced the subject paper.

- 3 - 11. The Chairman thanked the representatives of the LCSD for joining the discussion on this item. There being no comment from Members, he ended the discussion on this item.

Item 4: Report on District Minor Works (“DMWs”) in Public Libraries in YTM District in 2018/19 by LCSD (YTMDC DFMC Paper No. 57/2018)

12. The Chairman welcomed Mrs Karen CHU, Senior Librarian (Yau Tsim Mong), and Mr Fred WONG, Librarian (Yau Ma Tei Public Library), of the LCSD.

13. Mrs Karen CHU briefly introduced the subject paper.

14. The Chairman thanked the representatives of the LCSD for joining the discussion on this item. There being no comment from Members, he ended the discussion on this item.

(Ms WONG Shu-ming and Mr CHAN Siu-tong joined the meeting at 2:42 p.m.)

Item 5: Report on the Organisation of Recreation and Sports Activities and the Management of Facilities in YTM District by the LCSD (September 2018 to January 2019) (YTMDC DFMC Paper No. 58/2018)

15. The Chairman welcomed Mr LI Kuen-fat, District Leisure Manager (Yau Tsim Mong), Ms Tabitha CHIU, Deputy District Leisure Manager (District Support) Yau Tsim Mong, and Mr SUNG Chung-man, Assistant District Leisure Manager (District Support) Yau Tsim Mong, of the LCSD.

(Mr CHUNG Kong-mo joined the meeting at 2:43 p.m.)

16. Ms Tabitha CHIU briefly introduced the subject paper.

(Ms Michelle TANG joined the meeting at 2:50 p.m.)

17. Mr CHAN Sik-ming asked, in respect of annex 3, whether the department could provide the number of organisations, other than that of individuals, using the swimming pools for public information.

18. Ms Tabitha CHIU said that the department would provide the number of organisations in the report next time.

19. There being no further comment, the Chairman thanked the representatives of the LCSD for joining the discussion, and ended the discussion on this item.

- 4 - Item 6: Report on the DMWs and Environmental Improvement Projects at the LCSD’s Venues in YTM District in 2016-2019 (YTMDC DFMC Paper No. 59/2018)

20. The Chairman welcomed Mr LI Kuen-fat, District Leisure Manager (Yau Tsim Mong), Ms Tabitha CHIU, Deputy District Leisure Manager (District Support) Yau Tsim Mong, and Mr SUNG Chung-man, Assistant District Leisure Manager (District Support) Yau Tsim Mong, of the LCSD.

21. Ms Tabitha CHIU briefly introduced the paper, and added the following regarding the works projects below:

(i) In respect of project no. 1 in the subject paper, namely the “Enhancement of Facilities at Dundas Street Sitting-out Area”, there was a delay in the inspection and acceptance of eco-friendly wood-like plastic seats due to new regulations on the Mainland. The department had originally planned to complete the works in November. However, as the seats had not been delivered to in November as scheduled, there would be a delay in completing the above works until December.

(ii) In respect of project no. 16 in the subject paper, namely the “Emergency Repairs of the Escalator at East Waterfront Podium Garden”, the escalator handrails had been fitted and were ready for safety inspection. The department had planned to open the escalator for public use from next week.

22. Mr LAM Kin-man noted the one-month delay in the works at Dundas Street Sitting-out Area, and asked whether the department would open the sitting-out area for public use once the new seats had been delivered.

23. Mr CHUNG Chak-fai asked whether project no. 17 in the subject paper, namely the “Enhancement of the Sterilisation System of Tai Kok Tsui Swimming Pool”, was in satisfactory progress, and whether the works could be completed by March 2019 as originally scheduled.

24. Mr Benny YEUNG said that a number of projects would be completed between November this year and March next year, including the two enhancement projects at Public Square Street. He asked whether there would be any delay in the above projects due to the new regulations on the Mainland mentioned by the department representative.

25. Ms WONG Shu-ming said, in respect of project no. 5 in the subject paper, namely the “Provision of Play Equipment for Children at Mong Kok Road Playground”, some residents had relayed to her that they hoped the department would select some innovative play equipment for children aged between two and five, as they considered that the other set of play equipment for children there was obsolete, dilapidated and nothing of novelty. She found the department’s new park designs innovative and creative, and hoped that the department would not be closed-minded when carrying out works for existing parks.

26. Ms Tabitha CHIU responded as follows:

- 5 - (i) In respect of the enhancement of facilities at Dundas Street Sitting-out Area, the department had refurbished the arbours. Replacement could be carried out immediately after the finished seats had been delivered to Hong Kong.

(ii) The enhancement of the sterilisation system of Tai Kok Tsui Swimming Pool was underway as scheduled.

(iii) In respect of the two enhancement projects at Public Square Street, the works team had not informed the department of any delay.

(iv) In respect of the facilities at Mong Kok Road Playground, the department would actively research into new designs. In terms of the selection and design of play equipment for children, the department should consider not only safety but also the preference and needs of children aged between two and five.

27. The Chairman said that some local residents had relayed to him that they hoped the works at Tai Kok Tsui Swimming Pool would be completed as scheduled and, if feasible, the department would even open the swimming pool for public use early.

28. Ms WONG Shu-ming hoped that the department would consult her, the Councillor of the constituency concerned, about the selection and design of the play equipment for children.

29. Ms Tabitha CHIU said that the department would follow up on the design of the play equipment with the works team, and would consult Ms WONG in due course.

30. There being no further comment, the Chairman thanked the representatives of the LCSD for joining the discussion, and ended the discussion on this item.

Item 7: Funding Application for DMWs and Environmental Improvement Projects in LCSD’s Venues in YTM District in 2018/19 (YTMDC DFMC Paper No. 60/2018)

31. The Chairman welcomed Mr LI Kuen-fat, District Leisure Manager (Yau Tsim Mong), Ms Tabitha CHIU, Deputy District Leisure Manager (District Support) Yau Tsim Mong, and Mr SUNG Chung-man, Assistant District Leisure Manager (District Support) Yau Tsim Mong, of the LCSD.

32. Ms Tabitha CHIU briefly introduced the project proposal at annex 1 of the subject paper, and said that the department had removed 642 collapsed trees at 45 locations, where a substantial number of trees had been toppled by Typhoon Mangkhut, and replanted 465 trees of different species, including Madagascar Almond, Camel’s Foot Tree and Yellow Pui, with a view to reinstating the landscaped environment as soon as possible. The works had involved stump removal and land formation.

33. Mr CHUNG Kong-mo was pleased that the LCSD had carried out recovery works in respect of the trees toppled by Typhoon Mangkhut. He noted the department’s policy that the number of trees replanted might not be equivalent to the number of trees collapsed or removed. In the light that 178 trees had been removed from Cherry Street Park, he asked why the

- 6 - department had only replanted 120 trees, and whether it would select flowering shrubs for planting.

34. Ms Michelle TANG said that King’s Park had been heavily hit by Typhoon Mangkhut. Even before the typhoon, there had been trees removed from time to time, but no replanting had been observed. She hoped that the department would take this opportunity to re-examine the trees and consider replanting. She said that she could conduct a site inspection in King’s Park with the representatives of the LCSD, by which she could relay local residents’ views on and requests for trees.

35. Mr Andy YU said he had learned from the paper that there were 642 collapsed trees in the district, but the department would replant 465 trees only. He asked whether the trees replanted at Cherry Street Park were wind-tolerant, and about their exact locations. He said Members had from time to time mentioned at the meetings that trees were not suitable to be planted on slopes or near bus stops. He hoped that the department would consult Councillors of the constituencies concerned about the planting locations and provide a replanting schedule. Besides, he said that he had submitted a paper at the last DFMC meeting, requesting the LCSD to carry out replanting at Hoi Wang Road, Hoi Ting Road and Cherry Street Park, and the department representative had responded that replanting was scheduled to be carried out before March 2019. He asked whether the above schedule would be subject to change.

36. Mr HUI Tak-leung had noted that the LCSD had applied to the Committee for funding for replanting. Typhoon Mangkhut was a special case, which should have been handled with additional resources. He did not understand why the LCSD needed to apply to the Committee for funding. Applying to the Committee for an allocation of $1.5 million was likely to affect the financial health of the ongoing DMWs, an act similar to stealing food from a beggar’s bowl, so to speak.

37. Mr Benny YEUNG raised the following views: (i) he agreed that the District Council had tight resources. After the strike of Typhoon Mangkhut, the Education Bureau had granted special funding to schools for repairs. He considered that replanting expenses should be covered by additional government resources; (ii) he asked about the exact planting locations, and said that the environment affected the growth of trees in a significant way. In replanting trees, the department should ensure that sufficient underground space was reserved to enable the trees to root and grow; (iii) he had also noticed that the number of trees replanted at Cherry Street Park was lower than the number removed, and wondered if the department had reduced the number of trees to uplift the quality of trees and maintain their health; and (iv) the list in the subject paper did not cover all the parks in the YTM District. Quite a number of parks, such as the one at near Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market, were not covered. The problem of collapsed trees was found at those parks as well. However, the department had not given any response directly.

38. The Chairman said that Members had raised a number of views on tree species. During district inspections, many Members had noticed that Madagascar Almond or other large tree species growing to a certain height might tilt in strong winds. However healthy the trees were, their prolonged tilt would affect the environment and their appearance to some extent. Such a problem was particularly severe near the West Kowloon promenade. Even though those trees did not pose any potential risk of collapse, he hoped that the department would pay attention to and follow up on the case.

39. Ms Tabitha CHIU responded as follows:

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(i) Most of the replanting locations in respect of funding application in the subject paper were in Mong Kok and Tai Kok Tsui. As she had mentioned when briefing on the paper, a total of 136 venues were affected in the YTM District, and those mentioned were just some of them.

(ii) The LCSD had deployed resources by itself to cope with the recovery work in Yau Ma Tei and Tsim Sha Tsui. However, its resources were limited, and additional resources could not be secured until the next financial year. Therefore, a paper had been submitted to apply for funding, with a view to removing tree stumps and cracked branches in planters or elsewhere and reinstating the landscaped environment as soon as possible.

(iii) The department would carry out replanting six months after securing resources, and expected that replanting could be carried out at Cherry Street Park in March next year as scheduled.

(iv) Tolerance to windy and rainy weather was one of the major considerations in selecting tree species. Besides, the department would install supporting structures to enable the healthy growth of trees. The department would increase the number of shrubs as far as possible, mainly comprising flowering and ornamental plants.

(v) Although the case of the trees in King’s Park might not have been included in the paper, the department had all along been following up on it and carrying out removal work actively. She also agreed to inspect the area with Ms Michelle TANG later.

(vi) If there was no sufficient space for trees to grow healthily, the department would not specially dig deeper in soil for planting. If the department considered that trees were not suitable to be planted at a location, shrubs would be planted there instead.

40. Ms Cecilia PONG said that the funding for DMWs for the current year was over $14 million. Different works were at the different stages, and so was the settlement of their costs. The settlement of certain costs in some projects might have to be deferred to the next financial year. Based on the current financial position, she believed that $1.5 million was affordable.

41. Mr CHAN Tak-lap thanked the department for its efforts in removing collapsed trees. He worried that the collapsed trees at Cherry Street Park would cause soil problems as soil would become loose with the removal of trees. He hoped that the department concerned would carry out regular inspections to prevent any rodent problem caused by loose soil. Besides, since there had used to be a landmark tree in the centre of Cherry Street Park, he asked when the department would replant a tree there.

42. Ms KWAN Sau-ling had noticed that there were a number of works in the vicinity of Tsim Sha Tsui for which the LCSD was responsible. She considered it a pity that replanting was not available for all collapsed trees. If the use of the funding for DMWs for the planting plan

- 8 - was feasible, she would be willing to support it to enable the LCSD to arrange replanting as soon as possible.

43. Mr CHUNG Kong-mo said that the LCSD had applied to the Committee for special funding to cope with emergency works in the past. Typhoon Mangkhut had caused severe damage, and recovery works might cost up to $2.5 million. After the typhoon, the Government of the Special Administrative Region had said that resources would be allocated to cope with recovery work. However, he had not seen the Government use special resources to support replanting in districts. Since the LCSD had not secured any funding for emergency works, he considered that it could first apply to the District Council for funding to commence the works immediately. He considered that such a practice deserved appreciation. Nevertheless, to be fair to the District Council in terms of its arrangements for district facilities management fees, the LCSD should return the DMWs funding of $1.5 million to the District Council after securing its departmental funding.

44. Mr Benny YEUNG said that all the trees of the park at the junction of Waterloo Road and Canton Road had collapsed due to Typhoon Mangkhut. He hoped that the LCSD would respond as to whether replanting would be carried out there. Besides, the banyan trees at the forecourt of the landmark Tin Hau Temple in Yau Ma Tei, commonly known as “Yung Shue Tau”, remained strong and healthy, without being toppled by the typhoon. He hoped that the department would make reference to them when replanting trees. Besides, since all the trees at the Waterloo Road exit of Route 3 had collapsed, he asked whether the department would carry out replanting there.

45. Mr CHUNG Chak-fai said that many local residents in the district had asked why the department had not carried out replanting after the trees in the district had collapsed for some time. He also said that the replanting plan in the vicinity of at Tai Kok Tsui Road was not shown in the subject paper, and asked whether the department had any alternative arrangement. Besides, he supported in principle the funding application in the paper, and hoped that the department would replant the trees as soon as the funding was secured.

46. Mr LAM Kin-man said the department had mentioned that it had removed the collapsed trees in King’s Park Hill, which was, however, not shown in the paper. He asked whether that meant the LCSD had used departmental funding to cover the cost of the said works.

47. Ms Tabitha CHIU responded as follows:

(i) The LCSD would use departmental resources to cover the costs of replanting in the Yau Tsim District, including the vicinity of King’s Park Hill, Canton Road, Waterloo Road and Tung Kun Street. She once again said that the replanting plan in the subject paper mainly concerned the Mong Kok District.

(ii) As Members worried that loose soil would cause the rodent problem, the department was taking active follow-up actions. The planting works mentioned by the department involved land formation to prevent soil from becoming loose.

(iii) The cost of replanting at Cherry Street Park had been set out in the paper. Besides, the department had noted people’s hope for planting to be carried out as soon as possible. The department hoped that Members would consider endorsing the funding application in the subject paper so that the department could carry out

- 9 - replanting in the district and reinstate the landscaped environment as soon as possible.

48. The Chairman said that if the Government implemented the funding arrangements for emergency repair works in future, the $1.5 million should be returned to the District Council. Based on the aforesaid, the Chairman suggested endorsing the relevant proposal and funding application at annex 1 of the subject paper. There was no objection.

49. Ms Tabitha CHIU briefly introduced the project proposals at annexes 2 to 6 of the subject paper.

50. Mr LAU Pak-kei asked, in respect of the project proposal involving the three lighting systems at Lok Kwan Street Park, whether the department would only replace the light bulbs or all fluorescent tubes. Besides, he asked how much time the department would need to complete the replacement works if the Committee endorsed the funding application.

51. Mr CHAN Tak-lap had noted the department’s plan to replace the lighting system at Cherry Street Park, and asked whether the department would enhance its brightness.

52. Mr Benny YEUNG supported the proposal for enhancing the brightness of the lighting system at Cherry Street Park as many residents would use Cherry Street Park at night. Besides, he considered that closed circuit television (“CCTV”) cameras needed to be installed at Public Square Street Rest Garden and Yau Ma Tei Community Centre Rest Garden as there were a number of concealed places. Nevertheless, he did not understand why the costs were so high.

53. Ms Michelle TANG was pleased that a number of improvement works would be carried out in King’s Park, but she had reservations about the project costs. She hoped that the department would provide details of the cost of the fence replacement at King’s Park Playground at annex 3. Besides, she hoped that the department would commence the works as soon as the funding for the works had been endorsed.

54. Mr HUI Tak-leung supported the subject proposal, but he had already expressed concerns over the high project costs multiple times. He hoped the department would understand that Members might not be familiar with the particulars of the works, and asked the department representatives to provide further explanation of and detailed information on project costs when briefing on proposals for DMWs in future for Members’ reference so that Members and members of the public could know the reasons for high project costs.

55. Mr LAM Kin-man had learned from the subject paper that a number of improvement works would be carried out in King’s Park, including the fence replacement at a cost of over $700,000. He specifically pointed out that the cost of the bench works at annex 5 was high. He asked whether there was any room for lowering the project cost.

56. Mr CHUNG Chak-fai had reservations about the costs as well. He pointed out that the cost of the works project at annex 2 was high, and hoped that the department would adjust the project cost.

57. Ms Tabitha CHIU responded as follows:

- 10 - (i) In respect of the works project at annex 2, the department had recommended replacing six lampposts and 34 lighting units at the subject location as well as re-laying electricity cables, thus resulting in a high project cost.

(ii) The brightness of the lighting at Cherry Street Park was 70 watts. In case it was still not bright enough, the department could arrange further adjustment. Besides, the department had to consider the fact that lights too strong would affect the ecology there and residents nearby.

(iii) In respect of the works project at annex 3, each metre of fence costed over $3,000. The project cost covered the demolition of all existing fences and the installation of new ones. As the fences would be demolished, the bases needed to be replaced as well. The department had recommended replacing the fences with eco-friendly wood-like fences with stainless steel frames, which were more durable, damp-proof, insect-resistant and more heat-tolerant.

(iv) In respect of the works project at annex 4, the department would not only replace the existing CCTV system but also install two additional outdoor colour CCTV cameras. The existing CCTV system had a low resolution and little storage capacity. The department would fully upgrade the CCTV system, featuring a night vision function. The enhancement of the CCTV system at MacPherson Playground, which had been carried out earlier, had costed over $700,000.

(v) In respect of the works project at annex 5, each bench costed over $7,000, and the material used for the seats was eco-friendly wood-like plastic mentioned by the department at the last meeting. It was hoped that the seats would be more durable.

58. The Chairman suggested that the LCSD provide cost breakdowns in DMWs proposals in future for Members’ reference.

59. Mr CHUNG Kong-mo had learned from the paper that the department would re-lay electricity cables at a number of locations at Cherry Street Park. At the past District Council meetings or some other meetings, he and other Members from his party had suggested installing Wi-Fi devices. The LCSD had then responded that the proposed installation would require re-laying of electricity cables in a considerable scale and involve many procedures. Since the department planned to re-lay electricity cables at present, he asked whether the department would reconsider Members’ views.

60. Mr CHOW Chun-fai said that a one-hundred-year-old tree at the location at annex 3 of the subject paper had been toppled by Typhoon Mangkhut, and some wooden fences had been damaged as well. He had learned that the department had planned to replace the fences there, and hoped that the department would complete the works as soon as possible to minimise the impact caused by the enclosure of the works area on park users.

61. Mr Derek HUNG had learned that the department had planned to replace the wooden fences with eco-friendly wood-like fences with stainless steel frames. He asked the department to provide more information on the stainless steel, such as its defects liability period, oxidation and resistance to tree collapse or other forms of strikes.

- 11 - 62. The Chairman said that he and other Members from his party had suggested installing Wi-Fi devices at Cherry Street Park. He suggested laying Wi-Fi cables first and then installing wireless CCTV cameras during the re-laying of electricity cables at Cherry Street Park. He asked whether such a proposal would be feasible and more economical, and requested a consolidated response from the department.

63. Ms Tabitha CHIU responded as follows:

(i) The department had installed additional CCTV cameras at Cherry Street Park. Regarding the installation of Wi-Fi devices, as the laying of electricity cables would be involved, the department would first discuss with the works team the engineering feasibility based on existing technologies.

(ii) In respect of the wireless CCTV cameras, the laying of electricity cables would be carried out at Cherry Street Park, “Yung Shue Tau” and Public Square Street.

(iii) In respect of the fences, stainless steel oxidised rather slowly and was more durable, thus having a lower replacement rate. Concerning the eco-friendly wood-like material, unless being vandalised, it could be used for a decade or longer. The eco-friendly wood-like material was not ordinary wood, and was less likely to be infested by insects or crack after prolonged exposure under the sun, as compared to ordinary wood.

64. Mr CHUNG Kong-mo said that he and other Members from his party had suggested installing Wi-Fi devices over a year earlier. He understood that based on the technology at that time, the re-laying of conduits and cables might have been necessary. Later, some Members had asked whether the department could minimise the laying of cables using new technology. He said that the need to re-lay electricity cables at Cherry Street Park had created a golden opportunity for installing Wi-Fi devices.

65. The Vice-chairman said that Wi-Fi was not a new technology. Earlier, the Secretary for Innovation and Technology had told him that a wireless router had been installed in his home, which had been highly effective. Given that the Secretary had been using such devices personally, he believed that they were not any high-tech products. Although devices for public use must be more expensive than those for domestic use, he believed that the cost would be lower in the long run. He hoped that the department would reconsider and study the suggestion.

66. The Chairman suggested endorsing the relevant proposals and funding applications for project nos. 2 to 6. There was no objection.

67. There being no further comment, the Chairman thanked the representatives of the LCSD for joining the discussion on this item, and ended the discussion on this item.

Item 8: Refurbishment Works at Portland Street Rest Garden and Hamilton Street Rest Garden (YTMDC DFMC Paper No. 61/2018)

68. The Chairman welcomed:

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(a) Mr LI Kuen-fat, District Leisure Manager (Yau Tsim Mong), Ms Tabitha CHIU, Deputy District Leisure Manager (District Support) Yau Tsim Mong, and Mr SUNG Chung-man, Assistant District Leisure Manager (District Support) Yau Tsim Mong, of the LCSD;

(b) Mr CHAN Tsz-kin, Senior Property Services Manager/Project Management 2, and Ms Stella CHOY, Property Services Manager/Project Management 22, of the Architectural Services Department (“ArchSD”); and

(c) Ms Marisa YIU, Co-founder/Executive Director, Ms Joyce LI, Programme Grant Manager, Mr Denny CHAN, Project Assistant, as well as Mr Samuel WONG, Ms Vivian NG, Mr HUNG Kam-fai, Mr Xavier TSANG and Mr Ricky LAI, all of whom were Designer-mentees, of the Design Trust.

69. Mr LI Kuen-fai briefly introduced the paper, and said that the LCSD, together with the ArchSD and the Design Trust, would refurbish the facilities at four popular small open-air recreational venues managed by the LCSD, namely Portland Street Rest Garden and Hamilton Street Rest Garden in the YTM District, Yi Pei Square Playground in the Tsuen Wan District as well as the Sitting-out Area under Flyover in Hill Road in the Central and Western District, incorporating innovative design and artistic elements, with a view to enhancing existing public space. In selecting the pilot sites, the department had considered some popular open-air venues which had not been refurbished on a large scale for years, as well as other environmental factors and the engineering feasibility. He apologised for not having consulted Councillors about the site selection earlier.

----- 70. Ms Marisa YIU and Mr HUNG Kam-fai gave a PowerPoint presentation (Annex 2) to briefly introduce the first half of the paper, including the background information on the Design Trust and the design concept of the refurbishment of Portland Street Rest Garden.

71. Mr HUI Tak-leung raised the following views:

(i) He asked whether the friction incurred when the moveable facilities were being moved would cause any wear and tear to the ground surface.

(ii) A betting branch operated by The Hong Kong Jockey Club (“HKJC”) was located near the garden, resulting in a high pedestrian flow during race meetings or weekends. Besides, there were many people waiting for cross-boundary coaches at the garden. He asked how the design team would cope with the above situations in terms of the garden design.

(iii) He considered that the design concept of the garden was excellent, which was a special community development concept. He hoped that the design team would contemplate how to prevent prolonged occupation of the garden and acts of vandalism.

72. The Chairman said that he would let Members raise their enquiries first and then let the design team to give a consolidated response. The Committee had discussed the basic

- 13 - background, site selection, design and costs at the last meeting. Therefore, the discussion at this meeting would focus on how to implement the project design.

73. Mr Benny YEUNG raised the following views: (i) although the representative of the LCSD had apologised for not having consulted about the project proposal earlier, he hoped that he could raise his views on this matter. He was happy when he had first learned about LCSD’s plan to refurbish the garden, which had not been refurbished for two to three decades, and supported the general direction of the proposal; (ii) he corrected the Chairman that the Committee had in fact never discussed the garden design. He was flattered when he had later learned that the department had selected this garden as was one of the four pilot sites across the territory. He appreciated these young designers and commended them on their enthusiasm and professionalism. He had raised his views on the preliminary design, while the design team had inspected the garden multiple times to understand the actual situation there, with a view to enhancing their design. The proposal submitted this time better fit the actual local situation than the one he had learned about a few months earlier; (iii) he asked about the area of the rain shelter after the refurbishment of the garden; (iv) he said that the design proposal the design team had submitted to him earlier involved a number of monitoring black spots, which might become breeding grounds for crime. He believed that the Police would not have supported that design if they had taken a look at it. He said that such a problem had been addressed substantially in the current design, on which he hoped that the design team would provide supplementary information; (v) based on the current design, there was sufficient space around the planters on the two sides of the garden for people to sit and rest. He asked whether the space would be sufficient during race meetings and weekends, and when passengers were waiting for coaches; (vi) he asked whether the garden would be bright enough at night; and (vii) he asked whether the department had made reference to and comparison with the costs of other parks when designing the project.

74. The Chairman corrected himself that the Committee had never discussed the refurbishment design of Portland Street Rest Garden. The discussion at the last meeting had focused on the refurbishment design of Hamilton Street Rest Garden. The discussion this time could focus on the refurbishment design of Portland Street Rest Garden.

75. Mr CHAN Siu-tong raised the following views: (i) as far as he was aware, there were four pilot sites across the territory, including two in the YTM District and the other two in the Central and Western District and Tsuen Wan District respectively. He said that Members were supportive of the above programme, and that other Members would not normally object to any proposal supported by the Councillor of the constituency concerned; (ii) this design incorporated a variety of new elements and was largely different from those of the ordinary parks managed by the LCSD. At a number of meetings in the past, the LCSD had submitted proposals for park projects with uniform designs, which had drawn criticisms from various parties. Members had been hoping that the LCSD would submit some alternative designs, which was why he was pleased with such a novel design in the subject paper. He hoped that the two novelly-designed gardens would provide an opportunity for the development of the YTM District; and (iii) apart from the design, he considered that improvement could also be made in the materials. He said that the materials to be used at the garden in the design in the subject proposal was of a better quality than those used in other parks managed by the LCSD or other government departments. He asked whether the subject proposal had received any privileged treatment, and whether such new materials would be used in future park projects. He would not support the proposal if there was any privileged treatment in it.

- 14 - 76. Mr IP Siu-tak raised the following views: (i) he said that he lived in the neighbourhood concerned and often walked past the garden. He was aware that the design team had carried out detailed researches and analyses, particularly on the pedestrian flow data. He said that the efforts of the design team deserved appreciation; (ii) the garden users were mainly the elderly living nearby, and most of them were men. He was not sure whether it would be suitable for the design team to use bright pink as the theme colour; (iii) he supported the use of moveable seats in the design to enable the elderly to sit in a circle and chat with each other, but he asked why the seats were not equipped with backrests. Besides, he asked how the department could prevent garden users from taking away the seats; and (iv) he suggested providing chessboards for tables to enable users to play chess at the garden, and increasing the number of sun shades and rain shelters.

77. The Chairman said that as Members had not been involved in the work of the design team in the first place, constant criticism of the design concept of the design team would be unfair to them. The Committee could act as a gatekeeper and discuss, for example, matters affecting safety and public order.

78. Mr CHUNG Kong-mo raised the following views: (i) given that the usable area of Portland Street Rest Garden was not particularly large, not many trees could be planted and not many seats could be provided there. Refurbishing the garden required a lot of efforts. He appreciated the efforts of the design team; (ii) many people might not have noticed Portland Street Rest Garden. The colour used this time was different from those used in previous park designs. Using a symbolic pink colour for the garden could be seen as a breakthrough. However, there might be diverse views on using the pink colour as it could symbolise sexiness; (iii) he appreciated that the design team would increase the number of seats at the garden from ten-odd to dozens. He believed that the utilisation rate would rise significantly after the garden had been commissioned; and (iv) he asked the design team to provide supplementary information on how the design of the moveable seats could prevent them from being taken away, and said that the elderly or other users standing on the moveable seats might lead to a safety problem.

79. Ms KWAN Sau-ling raised the following enquiries: (i) she asked what kind of paving material the design team had planned to use at the garden; and (ii) in respect of the moveable tables and seats, as she had observed, the seats should be quite heavy and thus unlikely to be taken away. She would like to know the weight of each seat.

80. Mr SIU Hon-ping raised the following views: (i) the original intention to provide additional seats was good, but the problem was that many people would occupy the garden for horse race betting. Moreover, he did not know how the luggage of the passengers waiting for cross-boundary coaches could be handled in future; (ii) as there were quite a number of prostitutes in the district, he was afraid of the inevitability that prostitutes would occupy the garden after the garden refurbishment. He worried that it would somewhat affect the garden environment, and criticised the design team for not having considered such a problem; (iii) despite the fact that it had taken a long time to handle the problem of prostitutes soliciting at Soy Street previously, the current proposal was creating a new venue for solicitation. He wondered if the department had ever considered the consequences of rebuilding the garden; and (iv) as the Tai Fat Funeral Home, with a long history and situated near the garden, would be relocated and demolished soon, he asked whether it would affect the garden environment.

81. Mr LAM Kin-man raised the following views: (i) as Portland Street was not within his constituency, he would focus on discussing the works at Hamilton Street; (ii) he considered that LCSD’s site selection was extremely inappropriate as Portland Street Rest Garden and Hamilton

- 15 - Street Rest Garden shared the same problem that many sex workers loitered there at night; and (iii) since the HKJC betting branch was in close proximity to the garden, many people would bet on horse races at the garden. Besides, a cross-boundary coach station was located near the garden, where many visitors carried luggage in various sizes. Realising the commissioning of the new garden, the visitors would of course place their luggage at the garden. As such, the design would be affected however favourable it was.

82. The Chairman said that the site selection had been finalised, and hoped that Members would focus on discussing the design.

83. Mr WONG Kin-san said that he did not exactly know how to comment on the suitability of the garden design. He would like to listen to the views of the Councillor of the constituency concerned on the design for other Member’s reference. Besides, he asked whether the department had consulted other government departments on the engineering feasibility of the design. He would like to make sure that the refurbishment plan had secured support from various departments before it had been submitted to the Committee for discussion.

84. The Chairman said the representative of the LCSD had mentioned that CCTV cameras would be installed at the garden, which should be able to address the problem of sex workers. As Members’ enquiries were mainly about the moveable seats, he hoped that the design team would explain how the seats, having a certain amount of weight, could be moved freely.

85. Mr LI Kuen-fat responded as follows:

(i) The garden had not been refurbished on a large scale for over a decade. After the refurbishment, the area of the rain shelter would not be smaller than the existing one.

(ii) In respect of the moveable seats and tables, the department had been concerned about the management of the moveable seats and tables when it had first discussed the matter with the team. In fact, the tables and seats had a certain amount of weight and could not be moved easily. They would only be moved when activities were held.

(iii) The garden would be paved with an anti-skid material.

(iv) The LCSD would jointly implement the refurbishment plan with the ArchSD, and had ensured that the plan complied with the laws and regulations in relation to safety issues.

(Ms WONG Shu-ming, Mr CHAN Siu-tong, Mr CHOW Chun-fai and Mr Jackie LEUNG left the meeting at 4:45 p.m.)

86. Mr HUNG Kam-fai responded as follows:

(i) At present, there was a planter at the garden. After the refurbishment, it would become a relatively large activity space. If people from the HKJC betting branch and the cross-boundary coach station were drawn to the garden after the refurbishment, it would prevent them from crowding the roadsides and affecting

- 16 - other pedestrians, which would also be an effective way to create a certain community atmosphere.

(ii) In respect of the seat design, the seat was a hexagonal prism, with an iron plate attached to its bottom to prevent it from collapsing. To minimise the friction between the iron plate and the ground surface, an anti-skid plastic sheet was attached to the bottom of the iron plate, minimising the wear and tear caused when the seat was being moved.

(iii) Although the design team had used a bright colour as the theme colour, it would use non-reflective materials.

(iv) Some Members had asked whether any historical element would be incorporated into the garden, and whether the design would be correspond to that of the refurbishment of Hamilton Street Rest Garden. He said that the company had two design teams following up on the refurbishment of the two rest gardens, so their designs would not be corresponding. He considered that Mong Kok was a culturally diverse place. For example, Langham Place and Portland Street exhibited two completely distinct features. The design team had deliberately adopted a design concept different from that of Hamilton Street Rest Garden to highlight the diversity of Mong Kok.

(v) In respect of the rain shelter of the rest garden, a large hexagonal canopy would be erected after the refurbishment, serving as both a sun shade and a rain shelter.

(vi) Members had said they hoped that the chessboards would be retained, and the design team had also planned to retain one of the chess tables. Since the other one had been severely worn and torn, the design team had planned to provide a new table, on which a chessboard would be engraved with laser technology.

(vii) In respect of the moveable seats, a handle would be attached to each seat to facilitate its movement. The design team had planned to produce one first to study its effectiveness. Similar seat designs had been used in his other design projects. Each seat would weigh about 95 kilogrammes, which would be managed to be lifted with tools but could by no means be taken away easily with bare hands. Moreover, CCTV cameras would be installed at the garden. The LCSD had all along been concerned about the problem that government properties might be stolen, but it had preliminarily agreed to the design.

(viii) The moveable seats without backrests only constituted half of the seats at the garden. The seats around the planter were equipped with backrests. Bars would be fitted between each seat to prevent street sleepers from occupying adjoining seats at the garden.

(ix) Regarding the concerns over sex workers and the potential venue for solicitation, he considered that those who had gathered there might look for some other places as the refurbishment would take some time.

- 17 -

87. Mr LI Kuen-fat supplemented as follows:

(i) The refurbishment of Portland Street Rest Garden and Hamilton Street Rest Garden costed about $11,000 to $12,000 per square foot.

(ii) He said that the department had been looking forward to introducing new development elements and avoiding uniformity as far as possible. Therefore, it attached great importance to the pilot programme, the effectiveness of which would affect the future development directions of other parks managed by the LCSD, and would serve as a reference for future works projects.

88. Mr CHUNG Kong-mo disagreed with Mr LAM Kin-man’s saying that refurbishing the garden was wasteful and favoured those using the HKJC betting branch and waiting for cross-boundary coaches. He supported the refurbishment design of Portland Street Rest Garden, and hoped that the Yau Tsim Mong District Council would provide more room and opportunities for local design teams to exhibit their talents.

89. Mr HUI Tak-leung supported the refurbishment design of Portland Street Rest Garden, and understood Members’ concerns over those using the nearby HKJC betting branch and the loitering sex workers. He said that environments would change people’s behaviours, and believed that the design team could change the environment through design. He hoped that the design team would contemplate how to turn the garden into an attraction after the refurbishment, changing the community ecology through design.

90. Mr Benny YEUNG agreed that the community ecology could be changed through design. As the Councillor of the constituency concerned, he supported the design concept of the refurbishment of Portland Street Rest Garden. He hoped that the installation of CCTV cameras would be conducive to crime prevention so that Portland Street would not become a breeding ground for crime. However, he had reservations about the use of the pink colour as the theme colour, and asked whether apple green could be used instead. Besides, he worried about the safety of the moveable tables and seats.

91. Ms Michelle TANG said that she did not hold any strong view on the use of the pink colour for Portland Street Rest Garden. She supported the design concept very much, and had noted that the LCSD had collected views on various occasions. She considered that as a pilot programme, the project might not receive general acceptance immediately, but the first step must be taken in order to make a difference. She hoped that the works would create a new atmosphere in the district, while encouraging the team to keep up their efforts.

92. Mr Derek HUNG supported the new thinking of the design team, especially when Portland Street Rest Garden and Hamilton Street Rest Garden had not been refurbished on a large scale for over a decade. As for issues relating to culture and arts, such as the colour, different people might have their own preference. As far as he was aware, the present estimated cost of the garden refurbishment was less than the preliminary estimation by one-third, which he considered was a good direction. He understood some Members worried that certain types of users would occupy the garden after the refurbishment, but he considered that the garden refurbishment was intended to benefit the residents in the district as well as the people and visitors nearby. Besides, he worried that the corners of the moveable hexagonal seats might hurt children

- 18 - and the elderly. From a safety perspective, he asked whether the design team could smoothen the seat corners.

93. Mr LAM Kin-man clarified that he did not oppose the refurbishment. He considered that refurbishing old parks was definitely a good idea. However, his questions were why these two sites were selected, and why Councillors had not been consulted. Besides, he did not understand why refurbishment was to be carried out at the two sites that were just 10 metres apart. Councillors were more familiar with the district situation, and could therefore make better decisions when selecting sites. He supported the refurbishment but not the selection of the two sites.

94. Mr CHAN Tak-lap supported the refurbishment of Portland Street Rest Garden, and was pleased that the garden could serve as a performance venue after the refurbishment. He hoped that the venue would be used for holding more art and cultural activities in future.

95. Ms KWAN Sau-ling appreciated the anti-skid design of the design team. She considered it inappropriate to use the pink colour as the theme colour, and suggested that the design team use a different colour.

96. Mr LI Kuen-fat thanked Members for not opposing the refurbishment, and responded as follows:

(i) The angle of the CCTV cameras was adjustable.

(ii) The department would make improvement after listening to Members’ views on the seats. The team would discuss the problem of the seat corners to ensure that the seats were aesthetic and would not hurt any users.

(iii) He agreed with Members’ view that the two sites were in close proximity to one another. The department would carry out the refurbishment in phases to minimise the impact on members of the public.

(Post-meeting note: The department plans to carry out the refurbishment of Portland Street Rest Garden first.)

97. Mr HUNG Kam-fai responded as follows:

(i) In respect of the seat corners, the team agreed to smoothen them so as not to hurt any users.

(ii) In respect of the theme colour, the team had originally shortlisted four colours, namely red, blue, yellow and green. Since there were already green plants on the two sides of the garden, the refurbished portion would lack characteristics if the green colour was selected as the theme colour. The team’s design concept was that the colour of the plants should be consistent with that of the venue. However, due to the small number of blue plants, the blue colour was not selected. Yellow was quite a dazzling colour, while the dilapidated buildings on the two sides of the garden were in yellow as well. The team did not hope that there would be a sense of dilapidation at such a bright-coloured garden, so they had not selected the yellow

- 19 - colour. Having ruled out the above colours, the team had selected the red colour. As bright red was too dazzling, some bluish elements had been incorporated, giving the garden a purplish pink effect. Some people might relate this colour to neon lights, but the pink colour selected by the team was more purplish and bluish, unlike the peachy red colour of neon lights.

98. The Chairman said that the design team would like to retain purplish pink as the theme colour. There was no objection from Members, including the Councillor of the constituency concerned. He suggested supporting the proposal for Portland Street Rest Garden in the subject paper. There was no objection.

99. Mr LI Kuen-fat thanked Members for supporting the above project proposal.

(Ms Michelle TANG, Mr WONG Kin-san, Mr Andy YU and Mr IP Siu-tak left the meeting at 5:11 p.m.)

----- 100. Ms Vivian NG gave a PowerPoint presentation (Annex 2) to briefly introduce the second half of the paper, namely the design concept of the refurbishment of Hamilton Street Rest Garden.

(Mr SIU Hon-ping left the meeting at 5:20 p.m.)

101. Mr LAM Kin-man raised the following views: (i) as the Councillor of the constituency concerned, he said that Hamilton Street Rest Garden had a history of over three decades, and the need for refurbishment was beyond doubt; (ii) he had discussed the design in detail with the design team, and had raised some views, with a view to enhancing the garden. As he had mentioned earlier, the site selection for the garden refurbishment was definitely inappropriate, and that the lack of prior consultation with the Councillor of the constituency concerned was wrong as well. He had noted that the department had finalised the site selection, leaving no room for further changes; (iii) what worried him was that the problem of sex workers at this garden was more severe than that at Portland Street Rest Garden. Although the design team had kept enhancing the design to make the garden more open, it would still be more closed after the refurbishment. He worried that some concealed places would become breeding grounds for crime; (iv) the design team’s concept of “table sharing” aimed to enhance communication between users, the original intention of which was ideal. However, based on his research, over 80% of the garden users were elderly men, most of whom would nap or rest at the garden, without any intention to communicate with others; and (v) as the department had not consulted him about the site selection, he and other Members could only raise their views on the outline works design. He said that the only thing he could do was to show neither support nor objection, which could be understood as abstention.

102. Mr HUI Tak-leung said that he had been the District Councillor of the constituency concerned for 12 years. He understood Mr LAM’s worries and agreed that the problem of sex workers was severe there. He would support any design as long as the garden adopted an open design, without any barrier. As he had said earlier, he believed that environments would change people’s behaviours.

103. The Vice-chairman asked whether the department would install additional CCTV cameras. He believed that as long as there were CCTV cameras, problems such as sex workers would be addressed.

- 20 - 104. Mr Derek HUNG supported the refurbishment plan for the leisure facilities. He asked whether the department would plan to refurbish other rest gardens or carry out similar improvement works in future. He believed that the site selection did not rest with the design team, which was only responsible for design work. In respect of the garden design, he suggested that the design team put more efforts into enhancing the garden’s openness to avoid having any concealed place.

105. Mr Benny YEUNG said that the Committee had all along been showing respect for Councillors of the constituencies concerned during discussions. In view of the abstention of the Councillor of the constituency concerned, other Members did not know what they should do. He said that the subject paper served to invite Members’ views on the works design, while the site selection was outside the scope of the discussion, and should not be a factor in considering whether the design should be supported. Besides, he agreed that the problem of sex workers at this garden was more severe than that at Portland Street Rest Garden. Therefore, the design team had to pay closer attention to how to enhance the garden’s openness.

106. Mr LI Kuen-fat thanked Members for their suggestions on the above works. He said that improvement would be made based on the experience this time, and the subject pilot programme was an important step towards the department’s innovation.

107. Mr Samuel WONG said that he was concerned about the problem of sex workers as well. He said that the CCTV cameras would have no blind spot, and the garden would be lit up at night, which he believed could help alleviate the above problem and improve the environment surrounding the garden. Besides, having noted Members’ views, the design team would put efforts into studying the barrier design to enhance the garden’s openness.

108. Mr LAM Kin-man said that Members were free to express their own views, while he would neither support nor oppose the subject proposal.

109. The Chairman said that there was no objection from Members to the proposal for the refurbishment of Hamilton Street Rest Garden. He thanked the representatives of the government departments and organisation concerned for joining the discussion on this item. There being no further comment, the Chairman ended the discussion on this item.

Item 9: LCSD’s District Arts and Cultural Events for YTM District in 2018/19 (YTMDC DFMC Paper No. 62/2018)

110. The Chairman welcomed Ms Marianna HO, Senior Manager (Kowloon West/Cultural Services), and Ms Lily LAU, Manager (Kowloon West) Marketing, Programme and District Activities, of the LCSD.

111. Ms Marianna HO briefly introduced the subject paper.

112. Mr LAU Pak-kei said that Lok Kwan Street Park was surrounded by residential blocks, and he had from time to time received residents’ complaints that they had been affected by the loud performances at Lok Kwan Street Park. He hoped that the department would reconsider whether this park was suitable for singing and dancing performances. Besides, some residents

- 21 - had relayed to him their request for cancelling the weekly closure of Tai Kok Tsui Public Library on Thursdays.

(Mr LAM Kin-man left the meeting at 5:35 p.m.)

113. Ms Marianna HO said that the department would consider the public views on Lok Kwan Street Park and arrange performances less loud at Lok Kwan Street Park in future as far as possible. The department would also consider holding activities during the periods that were more acceptable to residents.

(Post-meeting note: With regard to the variety show to be staged at Lok Kwan Street Park from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on 27 January, the LCSD has communicated with the performance groups beforehand to arrange programmes less loud. Moreover, the sound level will be measured every 15 minutes on the day of the show to ensure that it will not be exceedingly high.)

114. Mrs Karen CHU said that Tai Kok Tsui Library was a small library. Based on its manpower arrangements, the library would be closed every Thursday. During the closure, cleaning work would be carried out at the library.

115. The Chairman thanked the representatives of the LCSD for joining the discussion on this item. There being no further comment, he ended the discussion on this item.

Item 10: Progress Report on DMWs Projects Led by Yau Tsim Mong District Office (“YTMDO”) in 2018-2019 (as at 15.11.2018) (YTMDC DFMC Paper No. 63/2018)

116. The Chairman welcomed:

(a) Ms Cecilia PONG, Senior Executive Officer (District Management) (Acting) of the YTMDO; and

(b) Mr YIM Tsan-man, Senior Inspector of Works (Kowloon), and Mr LI Wai-hei, Inspector of Works (Kowloon) 1, of the Home Affairs Department (“HAD”).

(i) Works Projects Endorsed by the DFMC but Pending Completion

(1) Greening and Beautification Projects in 2018-2019

(2) Site Formation of Open Space under Ferry Street Flyover off Cherry Street Park for Reprovisioning of Food and Environmental Hygiene Department’s Temporary Storage Area for Refuse Collection Bins under Prince Edward Road West Flyover, and Beautification of the Vacant Areas of Both Sites

(3) Provision of Pot Plants for Greening at Ching Ping Street

- 22 - (4) Provision of Railing Planters along Both Sides of Kok Cheung Street and at Junction of Ka Shin Street/Kok Cheung Street

(ii) Works Projects Endorsed in Principle by the DFMC

Reprovisioning, Replacement and Installation of Benches at Wylie Road and (1) Provision of a Rain Shelter with a Bench outside King’s Park Hockey Ground

(2) Replacement of Benches and Provision of Rain Shelters at Flower Market Path

(3) Provision of Cover of Some Benches at Hoi Wang Road Due to Faecal Droppings of Birds

(4) Replacement of Benches off (Cherry Street and Hoi Fai Road) in Tai Kok Tsui

117. Ms Cecilia PONG briefly introduced subject project (i)(1) and its progress, and invited Members to endorse the deduction of an additional cost of $12,031 incurred in the provision of a rain shelter at Jordan Road from the item “Greening and Beautification Projects 2018-19”.

118. The Chairman suggested endorsing the additional cost of subject project (i)(1). There was no objection.

119. Ms Cecilia PONG briefly introduced subject project (i)(3) and its progress.

120. Ms Cecilia PONG briefly introduced subject project (i)(4) and its progress, and suggested deleting the item.

121. Mr CHUNG Chak-fai said that he had inspected the railing planters. He had relayed the problem of the low density of plants to the departments concerned, and suggested that they select suitable plants to improve the environment.

122. Ms Cecilia PONG said that the YTMDO had earlier relayed the situation to the contractor proactively, and the contractor would carry out replanting soon.

(Post-meeting note: As usual, the YTMDO will only invite tenders after consulting the LCSD about plant species, the number of plants in each pot, height and soil specifications, and obtaining the approval of the Councillor of the constituency concerned. The contractor must provide the planting and maintenance services as specified in the tender.)

123. The Chairman suggested deleting the item of subject project (i)(4). There was no objection.

124. Ms Cecilia PONG briefly introduced subject project (ii)(4) and its progress, and invited Members to endorse the relevant funding.

- 23 - 125. The Chairman suggested endorsing the relevant funding for subject project (ii)(4). There was no objection.

126. Ms Cecilia PONG briefly introduced subject project (i)(2) and its progress.

127. The Chairman asked about the estimated dates of commencement and completion of subject project (i)(2).

128. Mr YIM Tsan-man said that the department could only commence the works as scheduled after the departments concerned had raised their views on the prototypical design. The tender exercise would span two months, while the construction period would last four months.

129. The Chairman thanked the representatives of the departments concerned for joining the discussion on this item. There being no further comment, he ended the discussion on this item.

Item 11: To Examine Venue Booking Application(s) for Community Centres in the District

130. The Chairman said that before the meeting, the Secretariat had not received any booking application for the community centres in the district.

131. There being no further comment, the Chairman ended the discussion on this item.

Item 12: Any Other Business

132. Mr Thomas CHAN reported the following to Members for their information: in order to meet the objective to enhance e-government services, the HAD had issued guidelines under which all districts should accept group applications for the hiring of community halls/centres submitted via email. In this connection, the YTMDO had planned to include the email address for submitting applications in the guidelines and forms for the hiring of such venues from mid-December this year, and to make these documents available for download at HAD’s website. By then, not only could applicant groups submit application forms for the hiring of community halls/centres by post, by fax or by hand, they could also do so via email.

133. Mr HUI Tak-leung asked whether the applicant groups should sign to certify their application forms submitted via email, and whether the YTMDO would reply to the applicants to acknowledge the receipt of their application forms.

134. Mr Thomas CHAN responded that the application forms submitted via email should be duly signed. The email system for the hiring of community halls/centres would generate automatic replies to acknowledge the receipt of emails.

135. There being no other business, the meeting was closed at 5:47 p.m. The next meeting would be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, 21 February 2019.

Yau Tsim Mong District Council Secretariat January 2019

- 24 - 附件一

2016 至 2019 年度油尖旺區議會 地區設施管理委員會

康樂及文化事務署 就「要求大角咀西九龍走廊橋底重新栽種植物」 所作的書面回應

就 委 員 提出要求在 大角咀西九龍走廊橋底重新栽種植物的 建議， 本署回覆如下：

本署會 定期派員巡查區內植物狀 況，而 園藝服務承辦商亦會適時 到 區內，包括九龍殯儀館對出一段西九龍走廊天橋底的 花床進行植物 護理工作。 由於該花床位於天橋之下， 日照時間較 短 ， 植物的 生長狀 況 相對較差。 本署現正進行採購程序， 安排承辦商在 上址花床栽 種 較 為 耐蔭的植物，以 加強綠化區 內 的 環 境，種 植 工 作 預 計 可 於 2019年 1月 中完成。

康 樂 及 文 化 事 務 署 油尖旺區康 樂 事 務 辦 事 處 2018年 11月 附件二