The Minutes Were Confirmed on 1 March 2019 Without Amendment

The minutes were confirmed on 1 March 2019 without amendment.

Minutes of the First Meeting of the District Facilities Management Committee under the Yuen Long District Council in 2019

Date : 4 January 2019 (Friday)

Time : 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Venue : Conference Room, Yuen Long District Council, 13/F., Yuen Long Government Offices, 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long

Present Time of Arrival Time of Withdrawal Chairman: Mr LEE Yuet-man, MH (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Vice-chairman: Mr TANG Cheuk-yin (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Members: Mr CHAM Ka-hung, (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Daniel, BBS, MH, JP Ms CHAN Mei-lin (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr CHAN Sze-ching (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr CHEUNG Muk-lam (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr CHING Chan-ming (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Ms CHIU Sau-han, MH (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr CHOW Wing-kan (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr KWOK Hing-ping (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr KWOK Keung, MH (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Ms LAU Kwai-yung (10:20 a.m.) (End of the meeting) Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) The Hon LUK (Beginning of the meeting) (11:00 a.m.) Chung-hung, JP Ms MA Shuk-yin (10:25 a.m.) (End of the meeting) Mr MAK Ip-sing (10:15 a.m.) (End of the meeting) Mr MAN Ping-nam, (Beginning of the meeting) (12:05 p.m.) MH Mr TANG Hing-ip, (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) BBS Mr TANG Ka-leung (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr TANG Sui-man (Beginning of the meeting) (12:05 p.m.) Mr TANG Yung-yiu, (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Ronnie Mr TO Ka-lun (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr TSANG Shu-wo (Beginning of the meeting) (12:05 p.m.)

Mr WONG Cheuk-kin (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Ms WONG Wai-ling (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr WONG Wai-shun, (10:15 a.m.) (End of the meeting) MH Mr YIU Kwok-wai (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr YOUNG Ka-on (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Ms YUEN Man-yee (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting)

Secretary: Ms WONG Man-ting, Executive Officer I (District Council), Yuen Long Mandy District Office Assistant Ms CHUNG Sin-kwan, Executive Officer (District Council) 4, Yuen Long Secretary: Polly District Office

In Attendance Mr NG Lak-sun, Nixon Assistant District Officer (Yuen Long)1 Mr TSANG Tak-chung Senior Inspector of Works(1), Yuen Long District Office Mr CHAN Sai-hung Senior Inspector of Works(2), Yuen Long District Office Mr HUI Wai-ming, Kenneth Liaison Officer-in-charge (R5), Yuen Long District Office Ms LEUNG So-ping, Selina Senior Executive Officer (Planning)1, Leisure and Cultural Services Department Ms LUNG Lai-seung, Wendy District Leisure Manager (Yuen Long), Leisure and Cultural Services Department Mr WONG Shu-yan, Francis Chief Leisure Manager (New Territories North), Leisure and Cultural Services Department Ms KWAN Yuen-mei, Rica Senior Librarian (Yuen Long), Leisure and Cultural Services Department Ms LAM Pui-yin, Gloria Senior Manager (NTW) Promotion, Leisure and Cultural Services Department Ms CHAN Ching-han, Peggy Senior Estate Surveyor/West, District Lands Office, Yuen Long The Hon KWONG Chun-yu

Item II Ms CHEUNG Yuk-shan, Chief Executive Officer (Planning)2, Linda Leisure and Cultural Services Department Mr YEUNG Shiu-wing, Chris Senior Engineer/Special Duties, Transport Department

Item III Ms HUI Ka-wai, Minerva Architect (Works)5, Home Affairs Department Ms FUNG Ka-yiu Architectural Assistant, WCWP International Limited

Item VI Ms AU Hing-tsz, Berry Executive Officer (Community Affairs), Yuen Long District Office Ms LAI Mo-yi Housing Manager/YLG6, Housing Department

Absence Mr LAI Wai-hung (Absent with apologies) Mr LEUNG Ming-kin (Absent with apologies) Mr LUI Kin, MH Mr MAN Kwong-ming Mr SHUM Ho-kit, JP (Absent with apologies) Mr SIU Long-ming, MH Mr TANG Cheuk-him

* * * * *

Opening Remarks The Chairman welcomed Members and government department representatives to the meeting.

2. Mr LAI Wai-hung, Mr LEUNG Ming-kin and Mr SHUM Ho-kit, JP were absent due to other commitments.

Item I: Confirmation of the minutes of the sixth DFMC meeting in 2018 3. The Chairman concluded that Members unanimously confirmed the above minutes.

Item II: Matters arising: Proposed facilities for the Redevelopment of Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground after review (DFMC Paper No. 1/2019) 4. The Chairman said Members had discussed the proposed facilities for the Redevelopment of Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground after review at the DFMC meeting

3 on 2 November 2018. At that time, they did not endorse the proposed provision of car parking spaces by the Transport Department (“TD”) under the redevelopment project and urged the TD to prepare and submit various detailed designs for the public car park to the DFMC for consideration. The TD’s revised proposal on public car parking spaces was submitted to seek Members’ views again.

5. In addition to permanent departmental representatives, the Chairman welcomed the following persons to the meeting:

Leisure and Cultural Services Department Chief Executive Officer (Planning)2 Ms CHEUNG Yuk-shan, Linda

Transport Department Senior Engineer/Special Duties Mr YEUNG Shiu-wing, Chris

6. Mr Chris YEUNG briefed Members on the paper.

7. Members’ views were summarised as follows:

(1) In general, Members supported the construction of an underground car park under the redevelopment of Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground to ease inadequate car parking spaces in Yuen Long and meet the parking needs of venue users;

(2) According to the proposal on public car parking spaces by the TD, 20 light goods vehicle (“LGV”) parking spaces and 50 medium/heavy goods vehicle parking spaces would be provided. However, Members pointed out that overall there was a stronger demand for LGV parking spaces in the district. They suggested an adjustment in the ratio of the parking spaces of the two kinds of vehicles so that more LGV parking spaces would be provided;

(3) Currently, there were several sites zoned “Residential (Group E)” pending redevelopment at Tung Tau Industrial Area. In view of that, some Members suggested the TD request the Town Planning Board (“TPB”) to include terms requiring private developers to provide adequate mixed parking spaces when granting approval to redevelopment projects, saying that this would address the shortage of car parking spaces in the district;

(4) Some Members raised concerns on the high cost of providing an underground car park at Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground and its ineffectiveness in alleviating the scarcity of parking spaces and illegal

parking in Yuen Long Town. To address these problems, they suggested that the TD construct multi-storey car parks in Yuen Long Town Centre;

(5) As Tung Tau Industrial Area had progressively developed into a commercial and residential area, Members supported an increase in the number of private car parking spaces, in line with local development. They also suggested that a flexible ratio of different types of parking spaces be maintained so that the public car park could cater to changing needs in the district after its completion;

(6) Members hoped the TD would refer to the duty visit report by the YLDC delegation to Tokyo in Japan and consider constructing an automated underground multi-storey car park at Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground. The TD could introduce automated car parks in Yuen Long on a pilot basis and gradually extend the facility to other districts to increase the overall parking spaces in Hong Kong;

(7) Some Members hoped the construction period and the closure time could be shortened as much as possible. They also urged relevant departments to keep close contact with residents of surrounding housing estates and stakeholders to minimise the impacts on venue users and nearby residents;

(8) As quite many large vehicles were parked at the roadside at Tung Tau Industrial Area, some Members supported a number of parking spaces in the car park be reserved for goods vehicles to reduce the impacts of roadside parking of large vehicles on road users;

(9) Some Members enquired whether the TD would provide the preliminary estimated cost of the works project. They also suggested the department report the latest progress of the works project, including information on feasibility study and traffic impact assessments, to the DFMC in due course; and

(10) According to the Outline Zoning Plan, Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground was zoned as Open Space. Members enquired with the TD on whether an application would be made to the TPB for planning permission for a public car park. If so, they were concerned that any revision in the ratio in different types of parking spaces would require complicated procedures in the future.

8. Mr Chris YEUNG gave a consolidated reply as follows:

(1) Having taken on-site inspections to review the demand for goods vehicle parking spaces at Tung Tau Industrial Area and considered the impacts of roadside parking of large vehicles on residents, the TD proposed reserving certain parking spaces for goods vehicles in the car park to meet the parking demand in the district;

(2) The exact number of public parking spaces would be based on the technical feasibility study and the detailed design. At this stage, the TD would keep the ratio of parking spaces flexible to cope with the changing demand in the district. The TD would consult the DFMC in due course after the detailed design had been completed,;

(3) The main purpose of providing public parking spaces at Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground was to meet the parking needs in the area. The TD was aware of the strong parking demand in Yuen Long Town Centre and the Administration was examining different viable policies;

(4) Having struck a balance among the parking demand at Tung Tau Industrial Area, the time required for the works project and impacts on residents, the TD considered that constructing a single-storey underground car park could meet the needs in the district;

(5) As for the impacts on residents during the construction period, the total planning and construction time of the redevelopment would take two or three more years if an underground car park was to be provided according to the TD’s preliminary estimation. In addition to the construction period, the time included that required for conducting the feasibility study and processing the application for planning permission;

(6) The TD had been identifying appropriate locations to launch the trial scheme on automated parking system in Hong Kong. If everything went smoothly, the system was expected to be used widely in other districts in Hong Kong;

(7) To comply with the requirements of the planning permission, parking spaces had been provided when a cluster of the sites in the district were redeveloped for residential uses. Considering the gradual conversion of Tung Tau Industrial Area into a commercial and residential area, the TD would recommend that additional parking spaces be provided in the developments and give appropriate advice based on the parking needs in the district; and

(8) An application for planning permission for a public car park, together with the layout plan of the car park and the types and numbers of parking spaces, would be submitted to the TPB for approval. In case the ratio of parking spaces required amendment in future, the TD would discuss with the Planning Department (“PlanD”) any revision in the planning permission. Furthermore, as the proposed car park was of sufficient height, the Administration could convert the heavy/medium goods vehicle parking spaces into LGV parking spaces where necessary.

9. The Chairman concluded that Members supported the TD to redevelop Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground with the construction of an underground car park. They urged the TD to provide a minimum of 80 private car parking spaces in the car park to meet the demand in the district. The TD was also urged to maintain the flexibility in adjusting the ratio of heavy/medium goods vehicle parking spaces to LGV parking spaces, in order to cope with the transformation of Tung Tau Industrial Area and the changing demand for different types of parking spaces in the district.

Item III: Progress report on District Minor Works (“DMW”) Programme (projects proposed by District Council Members) (DFMC Paper No. 2/2019) 10. In addition to permanent departmental representatives, the Chairman welcomed the following persons to the meeting:

Home Affairs Department (“HAD”) Architect (Works)5 Ms HUI Ka-wai, Minerva

WCWP International Limited Architectural Assistant Ms FUNG Ka-yiu

11. The views and responses of Members and relevant departmental representatives on the following projects were summarised as follows:

(1) “Construction of Sitting-out Area at Shan Ha Tsuen” (YL-DMW209) - Members enquired about the works progress; and - Ms Selina LEUNG responded that the tendering would be conducted as soon as possible after internal procedures had been completed and the consultancy’s tender documents had been finalised. If everything went well, the works project would commence in April 2019.

(2) “Construction of walkway cover from Tin Wah Estate to near Shui Sing

House at Tin Shui Road, Tin Shui Wai” (YL-DMW212) - Members enquired about the works progress; and - Ms Minerva HUI responded that the department needed to review the financial resources to determine the commencement date of works.

(3) “Construction of a walkway cover from bus stop near Yat Tam House to Grandeur Terrace Multi-storey Carpark, Tin Shui Wai” (YL-DMW213) - Members enquired whether the works project could commence after Lunar New Year in February 2019 as scheduled and how the road closure would be arranged during the construction period; - As there were a large number of awaiting passengers at the bus stop in the morning, Members enquired whether the bus stop would be closed or relocated and how the crowd would be controlled during the construction period; and - Ms Minerva HUI replied that the road closure during the construction period would be divided into seven phases, which had been approved by the TD and Road Management Office of Hong Kong Police Force. While the bus stop and the minibus stop would not be closed, the latter would be relocated along the road and the former would not be affected for the moment. The department had conducted an on-site inspection with representatives from the TD, the consultancy and the bus company earlier and the bus company had noted the arrangements.

(4) “Construction of a Sitting-out Area near the Pavilion at Tai Tong Shan Road, Yuen Long)” (YL-DMW306) - Ms Selina LEUNG reported that there were two registered slopes near the construction area. In its initial reply, the Civil Engineering and Development Department (“CEDD”) advised that relevant maintenance agents should conduct proper upgrading works for the slopes prior to construction of the proposed sitting-out area to ensure public safety. Follow-up work was undertaken by the consultancy and relevant maintenance agents, including the Highways Department (“HyD”) and the Lands Department (“LandsD”); - Ms Minerva HUI added that the consultancy was required to submit documentary proof of slope stability to the Geotechnical Engineering Office before they proceeded with the preparation work. Therefore, follow-ups with relevant maintenance agents including the HyD and the LandsD were necessary. Subject to actual needs, ground investigation would also be conducted to obtain technical data on the slopes, so it might take a longer time to complete the feasibility study for the works project. Moreover, the consultancy was compiling the data from the

topographic and tree surveys recently completed; - Members held that the works area, covered with slopes of relatively small gradients, was extensive in scale. The department could consider carrying out works at technically feasible locations. Members also suggested the construction area be enclosed with fences to ensure the safety of venue users and staircases be provided for their convenience; - Members urged the department to construct the sitting-out area as soon as possible to clear the huge crowds during the red leaves sightseeing season and alleviate the traffic congestion there; - Members also urged that solutions be sought to speed up the works by coordinating efforts of relevant departments; - Ms Selina LEUNG responded that the department had noted Members’ concerns over the works project and the community’s imminent need for the rest garden. It would relay Members’ views to relevant departments and continue to follow up on the works project with them; and - Ms Minerva HUI responded that the consultancy and relevant departments were now closely monitoring the works progress. In response to Members’ strong demand for the project, the department would address slope safety proactively.

(5) “Construction of a Sitting-out Area at the junction of Fung Cheung Road and Kong Yau Road” (YL-DMW315) - Members hoped the works project would commence expeditiously.

(6) “Construction of walkway covers in Tin Shui Wai area (Phase II)” - Members pointed out that “Construction of a walkway cover from the back gate of Tin Yau Court to Yiu Yat House at Tin Fuk Road, Tin Shui Wai” was originally covered by “Construction of walkway covers in Tin Shui Wai area (Phase I)”. After the feasibility study and ground investigation, it was subsequently included in the “Construction of walkway covers in Tin Shui Wai area (Phase II)”, on which the department would follow up. Members enquired whether the proposed construction area under the works project would overlap with that of the public market to be built at Tin Fuk Road in Tin Shui Wai; - An enquiry was made on whether the walkway cover to be built from Exit D of West Rail Tin Shui Wai Station to Yiu Yat House would overlap with the proposed construction area of the public market at Tin Fuk Road in Tin Shui Wai; and - Ms Minerva HUI responded that the construction of the walkway cover from Exit D of West Rail Tin Shui Wai Station to Yiu Yat House was not a DMW project. As for “Construction of a walkway cover from the

back gate of Tin Yau Court to Yiu Yat House at Tin Fuk Road, Tin Shui Wai”, the department would review the information and records after the meeting.

(7) “Construction of walkway cover from Yuen Long South to Yuen Long Town” - Members said the walkway cover should be constructed expeditiously considering the huge population in the several housing estates nearby of low accessibility, in the absence of shading facilities. The proposed cover would avoid pedestrians from being tormented by the elements; and - Ms Minerva HUI responded that the Yuen Long District Office (“YLDO”), Works Section of HAD, representatives from the consultancy and the project proponent had conducted an on-site inspection on 16 November 2018. The works site, tentatively stretching from the junction of Shap Pat Heung Road and Fung Ki Road to the junction of Fung Ki Road and Ma Tong Road, would be ascertained once the land right of a road section had been clarified.

(8) “Provision of a rain shelter at Tai Tong Shan Road, Yuen Long” - Members urged that the works project be taken forward expeditiously.

12. The Chairman concluded that Members had noted the above papers. He also suggested that the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (“LCSD”), Works Section of HAD, YLDO, HyD, LandsD, CEDD and the project proponent convene a case meeting for the “Construction of a Sitting-out Area near the Pavilion at Tai Tong Shan Road, Yuen Long” (YL-DMW306) to sort out the slope issues and expedite the works project. The Chairman also urged departments to properly address the flow of awaiting passengers during the “Construction of a walkway over from bus stop near Yat Tam House to Grandeur Terrace Multi-storey Carpark, Tin Shui Wai”.

Item IV: Proposals on DMW Projects submitted by Members for the consideration of DFMC (DFMC Paper No. 3/2019) 13. The proponent added that the cover was proposed for the walkway section of around 200 metres connecting to West Rail Kam Sheung Road Station. He hoped Members would support the works project.

14. The Chairman concluded that Members had noted the above paper.

Item V: Progress report on Minor Environmental Improvement Programme in 2018-19 (DFMC Paper No. 4/2019) 15. Mr CHAN Sai-hung briefed Members on the paper.

16. The views and responses of Members and relevant departmental representatives on the following projects were summarised as follows:

(1) “Construction of a pavilion near lamp post no. FB4388 at Sham Chung Village, Shap Pat Heung” (YL-DMW290) - Members enquired about details of the works project; and - Mr CHAN Sai-hung responded that under the works project, a concrete pavilion would be constructed at Sham Chung Village.

(2) “Provision of nest letter boxes stands at six Heungs of Yuen Long” (YL-DMW285) - Members enquired the number of letter boxes and the maximum number of letter boxes in a letter box stand under the works project; and - Mr CHAN Sai-hung responded that under the works project, the group letter box stands would be provided at Wong Chuk Yuen, Sheung Tsuen and Ta Shek Wu Tsuen in Pat Heung, Sha Tseng Tsuen in Ping Shan Heung and Shung Ching San Tsuen in Shap Pat Heung. The YLDO would consult villagers before the project was implemented and provide letter box stands of proper size to cater for their needs. The letter box stands would then be hung by the villagers.

17. The Chairman concluded that Members had noted the above paper. He also asked the YLDO to maintain adequate communication with local DC Members and stakeholders when carrying out the works projects.

Item VI: Utilisation rate of community centres/community halls in Yuen Long District (DFMC Paper No. 5/2019) 18. The Chairman welcomed the following persons to the meeting:

Yuen Long District Office Executive Officer (Community Affairs) Ms AU Hing-tsz, Berry

Housing Department Housing Manager/YLG6 Ms LAI Mo-yi

19. The Chairman concluded that Members had noted the above paper.

Item VII: Consolidated report on the recreation and sports activities to be held in Yuen Long District and the management of facilities by LCSD (January 2019 Issue) (DFMC Paper No. 6/2019) 20. Ms Wendy LUNG briefed Members on the paper.

21. Members’ views were summarised as follows:

(1) The LCSD was praised for solving the problem on cold and hot water systems for showering facilities in the ladies’ changing rooms at Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Swimming Pool. Members hoped the department would pay more attention to the facilities and avoid recurrence of similar problems, which might cause inconvenience to users;

(2) Members suggested the provision of elderly fitness facilities in Tin Sau Road Park. They also raised concerns that under the LCSD’s procurement policies, the elderly fitness facilities in the district were less diversified now and asked for more varieties;

(3) Members hoped the department would be flexible in the hiring of Yuen Long Jockey Club Squash Courts to offer users with options of playing squash or table tennis in the venue so that resources could be better utilised; and

(4) Members raised that the number of organisers and participants of some recreational and sports activities such as gateball team games was relatively small, and enquired whether the utilisation rates of LCSD venues in the district were satisfactory.

22. Ms Wendy LUNG gave a consolidated reply as follows:

(1) The LCSD would step up checking on showering facilities in changing rooms at Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Swimming Pool to ensure they worked well. It would also remind on-site staff to provide assistance to swimmers when necessary;

(2) The LCSD would discuss the proposal on providing elderly fitness facilities at Tin Sau Road Park with Members after the meeting. The department’s procurement policies would not restrict the type or quality of fitness facilities;

(3) The LCSD would review the usage of Yuen Long Jockey Club Squash Courts and consider converting squash courts into squash courts cum multi-purpose activity rooms with reference to actual needs for hire by the public; and

(4) A specified quota of participants was assigned to recreation and sports activities and that for gateball training class was relatively small. The LCSD would take a closer look on the participation rate to make appropriate arrangements.

23. The Chairman urged the LCSD to request the Electronic and Mechanical Services Department (“EMSD”) to conduct regular checking on the cold and water supply systems for showering facilities in Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Swimming Pool to ensure the safety of mechanical installations in the district venue. Also, the Chairman had relayed the views of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui St. Matthias Integrated Services on the quality and diversity of children’s play equipment to the LCSD. He urged the department to follow up on the views and consider providing new and diverse play equipment.

24. The Chairman concluded that Members had noted the above paper and endorsed an allocation of $2,000,000 from the DMW fund be earmarked for “Improvement works to the air-conditioning system of the first aid room building at Tin Shui Wai Swimming Pool” and “Improvement works to fences of the volleyball court at Tin Sau Road Park”.

(Post-meeting note: The Secretariat relayed Members’ views to the EMSD in a letter on 11 January 2019.)

Item VIII: LCSD Projects and Community Involvement Activities on Greening in Yuen Long District for 2019/20 (DFMC Paper No. 7/2019) 25. Ms Wendy LUNG briefed Members on the paper.

26. Members’ views were summarised as follows:

(1) Members generally supported that roadside hanging planters should be retained in Yuen Long District. It was pointed out that such planters, which were found in many districts in Hong Kong, would not only enhance the local environment and promote greening but also add a delightful dash of colour to the community. Members hoped the department would strengthen greening efforts in the district;

(2) Some Members pointed out that several roadside hanging planters were dusty

due to the lack of proper cleaning. Therefore, the department was urged to step up cleaning of the planters which would stay effective in enhancing the environment so that financial resources would be put into better use;

(3) In early years, the Working Group on Yuen Long District Greening Project endorsed the provision of roadside hanging planters purchased with DC funds in Yuen Long District, with a view to improving the air quality in the district because the suspended particles in the air would be absorbed by the plants;

(4) Many planters were dilapidated and damaged, after having been placed on the roadside for years. Some Members hoped the repair, replacement and write-off of damaged planters would be taken up by LCSD, saying that it would be appropriate to have planter-related matters centrally handled by one department, which could apply to the DFMC for funding when necessary;

(5) Regarding the repair of roadside hanging planters, Members hoped government departments would coordinate among themselves on tasking a suitable department to undertake the repair duty in the long run. The DFMC could consider reserving adequate allocation for the work;

(6) Members pointed out that there were insufficient DMW resources and hoped the YLDO would reflect the situation and ask HAD to allocate more resources on planter repair;

(7) An enquiry was made on the cost of the whole project on roadside hanging planters, including the planting and maintenance costs, frequency of removing rubbish in planters and objective standards for assessing the health status and aesthetic of plants;

(8) A Member suggested stepping up the greening and cleaning work at Fung Kwan Street Garden, Fung Cheung Road Garden and Fung Yau Street North Sitting-out Area;

(9) A Member enquired whether greenery would be replacing flowers as long-lasting plants were proposed in the paper, saying that flowers had higher aesthetic value;

(10) A Member recommended the LCSD discuss adjustments to the locations and number of planters with DC Members; and

(11) Some Members were concerned about the implementation and management of

the Greening Master Plan and the removal of fallen trees along Tin Shui Wai River after the typhoon.

27. Ms Wendy LUNG gave a consolidated reply as follows:

(1) At present, there were about 870 roadside hanging planters in Yuen Long District. The LCSD engaged contractors in replacing plants in roadside hanging planters every three months and carried out such work as watering and replacing dead plants regularly, in the hope of beautifying the environment;

(2) The department would follow up on the greening and cleaning work at Fung Kwan Street Garden, Fung Cheung Road Garden and Fung Yau Street North Sitting-out Area with relevant Members; and

(3) The LCSD was responsible for the plant maintenance of roadside hanging planters, excluding the repair of planters.

28. Mr Nixon NG responded that the management of roadside hanging planters was not under the purview of the YLDO.

29. Mr Francis WONG responded that the LCSD was responsible for implementing greening work in the district. Regarding the division of work on roadside hanging planters, the LCSD was in charge of the maintenance of plants and soil while the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (“FEHD”) was responsible for removing rubbish in the planters. However, the duties of purchase, repair and maintenance of planters were to be discussed by relevant departments.

30. The Chairman said Members appreciated the LCSD for providing roadside hanging planters in Yuen Long District. He suggested relevant departments coordinate the repair work of planters and hoped the LCSD would continue to step up greening in the district.

31. The Chairman concluded that Members had noted the above paper and endorsed the allocation of $3,340,000 from the DMW fund be earmarked to implement “Yuen Long Greening and Facility Improvement Project for 2019/20”, as well as a Community Involvement Programme (“CIP”) funding of $880,498 to implement the “Community Involvement Project on Greening in Yuen Long District for 2019/20”, of which $738,003 would be settled in 2019/20 with the remaining $142,495 to be settled in 2020/21.

Item IX: Recreation and Sports Programme to be implemented by LCSD in Yuen Long

District from April 2019 to March 2020 (DFMC Paper No. 8/2019) 32. Ms Wendy LUNG briefed Members on the paper.

33. The Chairman concluded that Members had noted the above paper and endorsed a CIP funding of $8,758,353 be earmarked for the “Recreation and Sports Programme to be implemented in Yuen Long District from April 2019 to March 2020”, of which $8,201,585 would be settled in 2019/20 with the remaining $556,768 to be settled in 2020/21.

Item X: Report on the public library extension activities organised by LCSD and usage of public libraries in Yuen Long District (DFMC Paper No. 9/2019) 34. Ms Rica KWAN briefed Members on the paper.

35. The Chairman concluded that Members had noted the above paper.

Item XI: LCSD public library extension programmes in Yuen Long District from April 2019 to March 2020 (DFMC Paper No. 10/2019 (Revised)) 36. Ms Rica KWAN briefed Members on the paper.

37. The Chairman concluded that Members had noted the above paper and endorsed a CIP funding of $130,806.5 be earmarked to implement “Public library extension programmes in Yuen Long District for 2019/20”, of which $126,958.5 would be settled in 2019/20 with the remaining $3,848 to be settled in 2020/21.

Item XII: LCSD work plan on cultural programmes for Yuen Long District in 2019-20 and report on the cultural and entertainment programmes implemented in Yuen Long District as well as the utilisation rate of Yuen Long Theatre (DFMC Paper No. 11/2019) 38. Ms Gloria LAM briefed Members on the paper.

39. The Chairman concluded that Members had noted the above paper.

Item XIII: Proposal on the district free cultural and entertainment programmes to be co-organised by LCSD and YLDC for Yuen Long District in 2019-20 (DFMC Paper No. 12/2019)

40. Ms Gloria LAM briefed Members on the paper.

41. Members’ views were summarised as follows:

(1) Members praised the LCSD for organising a large variety of district free cultural and entertainment programmes that were well received by the public;

(2) Members pointed out that Locwood Richly Plaza, Kingswood Villas was close to residents and occasional complaints about noises were understandable. They hoped the LCSD would not restrict the types of activities to be organised;

(3) Members pointed out that cultural and entertainment programmes organised at Tin Fu Court Chai Fu House Open Space were well received by the public as reflected by the increased visitor flow there. Therefore, they proposed that the frequency of the programmes be increased to twice a year;

(4) Members hoped the LCSD would understand that Members could not arrive at the venue to give a speech before the activity due to their official duties, and asked for suitable arrangements so that Members could speak after the activity had started;

(5) At present, the LCSD arranged for Members to give an official speech at district free cultural and entertainment programmes but the visitor flow was limited at the start of the activity. In view of that, it was suggested that Members could speak when more people gathered after the activity had started to spread their messages to a larger audience;

(6) An enquiry was made on why the LCSD had not organised district free cultural and entertainment programmes in central Tin Shui Wai, such as Tin Shui;

(7) It was suggested that the LCSD postpone the starting time of activities at Tin Tsz Estate to 8:30 p.m. to attract more audience;

(8) It was suggested that the LCSD discuss afresh with the Owners’ Committee of Tin Chung Court on offering district free cultural and entertainment programmes at Tin Chung Court Amphitheatre.

42. Ms Gloria LAM gave a consolidated reply as follows:

(1) The LCSD would relay Members’ views on the programme types and arrangements on speech giving to the Entertainment Office so that Members could speak after the start of the activity to a larger audience if possible;

(Post-meeting note: The Entertainment Office had noted the suggestion. It would endeavour to make corresponding arrangements where feasible.)

(2) The LCSD planned to offer 60 district free cultural and entertainment programmes in Yuen Long District in 2019-20. The department would review the programme arrangements and increase district free cultural and entertainment programmes at Tin Fu Court Chai Fu House Open Space if possible; and

(Post-meeting note: The Entertainment Office had noted the suggestion. It would make adjustments to the allocation of programmes in Yuen Long District in 2019-20.)

(3) The department found previous district free cultural and entertainment activities at Joy Square, the amphitheatre and the spectator stand at Tin Shui Estate would obstruct public access. The department would examine and identify appropriate programme venues in Tin Shui with Members after the meeting.

(Post-meeting note: The Entertainment Office had noted the suggestion. It would arrange for its staff to inspect venues with relevant Members as soon as possible.)

43. The Chairman urged the LCSD to follow up on Members’ views as well as the district free cultural and entertainment programmes at Tin Chung Court Amphitheatre after the meeting. He also asked the department to play music to attract more people before the activity started so that Members could give a speech to a larger audience.

44. The Chairman concluded that Members had noted the above paper and endorsed a CIP funding of $1,092,000 be earmarked for “District free cultural and entertainment programmes co-organised with the YLDC in 2019/20”, of which $994,930 would be settled in 2019/20 with the remaining $97,070 to be settled in 2020/21.

Item XIV: Any other business 45. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:30 p.m.

Yuen Long District Council Secretariat February 2019