The minutes were confirmed on 5 May 2017 without amendment.

Minutes of the 2nd Meeting of the District Facilities Management Committee under the District Council in 2017

Date: 3 March 2017 (Friday)

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.

Venue: Conference Room, 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, Daniel, (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) 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 (10:45 a.m.) (End of the meeting) Mr KWOK Keung, MH (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr LAI Wai-hung (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Ms LAU Kwai-yung (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr LEUNG Fuk-yuen (Beginning of the meeting) (11:15 a.m.) Mr LEUNG Ming-kin (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr LUI Kin (11:15 a.m.) (End of the meeting) Mr LUK Chung-hung (Beginning of the meeting) (10:15 a.m.) Ms MA Shuk-yin (10:15 a.m.) (End of the meeting) Mr MAK Ip-sing (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr MAN Kwong-ming (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr MAN Ping-nam, MH (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr SHUM Ho-kit (Beginning of the meeting) (11:35 a.m.) Mr SIU Long-ming (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr TANG Cheuk-him (10:20 a.m.) (End of the meeting) Mr TANG Hing-ip, BBS (Beginning of the meeting) (10:15 a.m.) Mr TANG Ka-leung (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr TANG Sui-man (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr TANG Yung-yiu, Ronnie (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting)

1 Mr WONG Cheuk-kin (Beginning of the meeting) (End of the meeting) Mr WONG Wai-shun (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: Miss LAM Ka-hing, Alexis Executive Officer I (District Council), Office

In attendance Mr WONG Chi-wah, Steve 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 SHUM Chui-sim, Evon Senior Librarian (Yuen Long), Leisure and Cultural Services Department Mr MA Kam-wing, Anthony Senior Manager (New Territories West) Promotion, Leisure and Cultural Services Department Ms LI Yee-wa, Cathy Senior Estate Surveyor/West, District Lands Office, Yuen Long

Item 2 Ms HUI Ka-wai, Minerva Architect (Works)5, Home Affairs Department Ms FUNG Ka-yiu Assistant Architect, WCWP International Limited Ms Gloria SO Architect, Spence Robinson Ltd

Item 4 Mr HO Kwai-hung, Barry Senior Executive Officer (District Management), Yuen Long District Office Miss WONG Man-kei, Maggie Executive Officer (Community Affairs), Yuen Long District Office Ms WONG Suk-fun, Josephine Housing Manager/YLG6, Housing Department

2 Absent The Hon LEUNG Che-cheung, (Absent due to other commitments) BBS, MH, JP Mr TSANG Shu-wo (Absent due to other commitments) Ms WONG Wai-ling (Absent due to other commitments) Mr YIU Kwok-wai

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Opening Remarks The Chairman welcomed Members and representatives from government departments, as well as the Architect (Works)5 of the Home Affairs Department, Ms Minerva HUI, the successor of the outgoing Miss LAW Mei-sze, Michelle, to the meeting. He also thanked Miss Michelle LAW for her past efforts on the projects under the Yuen Long District Facilities Management Committee (“DFMC”).

2. Mr TSANG Shu-wo, Ms WONG Wai-ling and the Hon LEUNG Che-cheung, BBS, MH, JP were absent due to other commitments.

Item 1: Confirmation of the minutes of the first meeting in 2017 3. The minutes of the 1st meeting in 2017 were confirmed unanimously.

Item 2: Progress report on District Minor Works (“DMW”) Programme (projects proposed by District Council Members) (DFMC Paper No. 14/2017) 4. In addition to the regular representatives, the Chairman welcomed the following persons to the meeting:

Senior Executive Officer (Planning)1, Ms Selina LEUNG Leisure and Cultural Services Department Architect (Works)5, Home Affairs Department Ms Minerva HUI Architect, Spence Robinson Ltd Ms Gloria SO Assistant Architect, WCWP International Limited Ms FUNG Ka-yiu

5. The opinions and responses on the following projects by the Chairman, Members and relevant department representatives were summarised as follows:

(1) “Construction of a sitting-out area adjoining Pai Lau, Pat Heung Road” (YL-DMW143)

3 - Ms Minerva HUI said the project was expected to complete by the end of 2017 at the earliest.

(2) “Construction of a Children’s Playground at Shek Wu Wai , Yuen Long” (YL-DMW169) - Ms Selina LEUNG said the works site was handed over to the contractor on 28 February 2017 and a day in early March would be picked for the commencement of works; and

- A Member added that the project was scheduled to commence at 10 a.m. on 10 March.

(3) “Construction of Sitting-out Area at Shan Ha Tsuen” (YL-DMW209) - A Member pointed out that the project had been delayed repeatedly and hoped that the commencement date could be confirmed as soon as possible; and

- The Chairman said the DC Chairman had already reflected to the authorities to request for additional funding for DMW, in the hope to implement more projects.

(4) “Construction of arbours at Yuen Lung Street (the section near YOHO Town)” - A Member enquired about the progress of the above item; and

- Mr Kenneth HUI said trial pit could commence once the funding for 2017/18 had been ascertained, which was expected to be in mid-April 2017.

6. Ms Selina LEUNG supplemented on the relocation proposal of the bus stop outside Tin Sau Bazaar having regard to the swimming pool project in Area 107, . The Architectural Services Department (“ArchSD”) had conducted a preliminary study with the Transport Department (“TD”). The location of the new bus stop would be 35 metres east of the original location. Upon the consent of the DC, the ArchSD would follow up with the bus company and make a formal application to the TD.

7. The Chairman thanked the Department for actively responding to Members’ views and making amendments. He said local DC Members had agreed to the latest proposal and hoped that after the project commenced, the Department could communicate more with local DC Members and stakeholders.

4 8. The Chairman concluded that Members noted the above paper and unanimously endorsed the new location for the bus stop outside Tin Sau Bazaar.

Item 3: Progress report for 2016/17 on Minor Environmental Improvement Programme (DFMC Paper No. 15/2017) 9. Mr CHAN Sai-hung briefly introduced the paper.

10. The opinions and responses on the following projects by the Chairman, Members and relevant department representatives were summarised as follows:

(i) A Member enquired about the name, “”, indicating that the Chinese characters used were inconsistent, which attributed to the postal problems of residents. The Member also enquired about matters relating to village signs;

(ii) A Member enquired whether minor improvement works were similarly applicable to Tin Shui Wai. Many rain shelters and benches in Tin Shui Wai, which were managed by the then New Territories Development Department, lacked maintenance and repair but no departments were following up the issue or responsible for the repairs. It was suggested that the issue be included as a regular item with a view to improving the facilities;

(iii) A Member opposed the use of the funding for minor improvement works to deal with the facilities. Resources were finite. It was unhealthy that many rural projects were dragged on and on. The Member suggested seeking other resources to improve the above problem;

(iv) The Yuen Long District Office (“YLDO”) said that mailbox numbers would have to be negotiated between the Post Office and villagers and that the YLDO would follow up matters relating to village signs. As regards the rain shelters and benches in Tin Shui Wai, they did not completely fall within the ambit of the YLDO but if there were dangers, it could consider carrying out one-off emergency repairs or referring the issue to relevant departments for follow-up;

(v) The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (“LCSD”) said it could coordinate to handle one-off replacements and bear the costs for facilities in Tin Shui Wai that had no departments or persons responsible for their repair. Regarding repair, facilities of the LCSD would continue to be

5 under the LCSD’s responsibility. Other facilities that were not within the ambit of the LCSD would be under the responsibility of relevant departments; and

(vi) The Chairman welcomed the LCSD’s proposal to carry out one-off replacements for the facilities concerned. As for division of labour, he said it would be up to the departments to decide.

11. The Chairman concluded that Members noted the above paper.

Item 4: Utilisation rate of community halls/community centres in Yuen Long District (DFMC Paper No. 16/2017) 12. The Chairman welcomed the following persons to the meeting:

Yuen Long District Office Senior Executive Officer (District Management) Mr Barry HO Executive Officer (Community Affairs) Miss Maggie WONG

Housing Department Housing Manager/YLG6 Ms Josephine WONG

13. The Chairman concluded that Members noted the above paper.

14. The YLDO said East Community Hall would be completed soon. The Secretariat would arrange Members to conduct a site inspection.

15. The Chairman asked the Secretary to seek the schedules of local DC Members first so as to facilitate the arrangement on the inspection date.

[Post-meeting note: The DFMC conducted a site inspection at 10 a.m. on 22 March 2017.]

Item 5: Proposals on DMW Projects submitted by Members for the consideration of DFMC (DFMC Paper No. 17/2017) 16. The opinions on the proposal of “Provision of Rain Shelter at Shan Road” by Members and department representatives and the Chairman’s conclusion were consolidated as follows:

6 - The proponents said many hikers and visitors would walk through Tai Tong Shan Road. It was suggested that a rain shelter be constructed at the above works location for people to take a break; and

- The Chairman suggested that sports ambassadors arrange Members to pay a visit.

17. The Chairman concluded that Members noted the above paper.

Item 6: Issues raised by Members: (1) Mr CHAN Sze-ching enquired about the booking of swimming lanes (DFMC Paper No. 18/2017) 18. The supplements, opinions and responses on the following projects by the Chairman, Members and relevant department representatives were summarised as follows:

(i) A Member said according to LCSD’s reply, an organisation had to produce its Business Registration Certificate, Certificate of Incorporation or the certificate of registration of a society, etc. to book swimming pool facilities. He enquired whether it would mean DC Members’ offices were unable to apply. Moreover, he understood that the application from a swimming association was still rejected even after all relevant documents had been submitted. He hoped to understand from the LCSD the issue;

(ii) The LCSD responded that it could follow up with Members the application from the specific swimming association after the meeting. For safety reasons, the LCSD required an applicant to submit the above documents and certify his record on the development and promotion of related sports with a view to ensuring that the applicant had the experience, as well as the relevant qualifications. The applicant would have to apply on an organisation basis and be held liable. Besides, she said DC Members’ offices could also apply to be societies and stressed that all applicants were treated on equal footing; and

(iii) A Member suggested reviewing the existing criteria. DC Members’ offices were serving local residents and should be included as eligible organisations.

7 19. The Chairman concluded by opining that there was room for review in respect of the policy to allow DC Members’ offices to apply on an organisation basis. He suggested the LCSD reflect to the headquarters.

(2) Mr WONG Wai-shun proposed to extend the scope of the sports centre project in Yuen Long Area 12 with a view to incorporating the fish market site into the study and constructing sports facilities for organising major events (DFMC Paper No. 19/2017) 20. The supplements, opinions and responses on the following projects by the Chairman, Members and relevant department representatives were summarised as follows:

(i) A Member thanked the LCSD for its positive response. Regarding the sports facilities at the sports centre in Area 12, in addition to basketball courts and volleyball courts, he suggested adding a handball court and a 5-a-side football pitch and enquired about the seating capacity of a general large venue;

(ii) A Member suggested making reference to the specifications and requirements of major competitions to ensure that the sports centre would meet the specifications for holding major competitions; and

(iii) The LCSD thanked Members for their views and hoped that the sports centre in Area 12, Yuen Long could be a venue for holding some major competitions. Besides, the seating capacity of general LCSD venues ranged from several hundred to several thousand, depending on the specifications, design and geographical conditions of the venue.

21. The Chairman concluded by hoping that the LCSD would note Members’ views.

(3) Mr MAK Ip-sing requested that elderly fitness equipment be provided at (1) Fung Cheung Road Garden and (2) Yuen Long Jockey Club Town Square (DFMC Paper No. 20/2017) 22. Members’ opinions were summarised as follows:

(i) A Member said the above locations lacked elderly sports and recreational facilities, urging the LCSD to provide the additional facilities; and

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(ii) Local DC Members said they had conducted a site inspection of the above locations with the LCSD. However, due to lack of space, if the relevant elderly sports and recreational facilities were to be provided, benches and other existing facilities would have to be dismantled, which would require more detailed consultation.

23. The Chairman concluded by suggesting Members follow up and discuss with local DC Members.

Item 7: Consolidated report on the recreation and sports activities to be held in Yuen Long District and the management of facilities by LCSD in 2016/17 (March 2017 Issue) (DFMC Paper No. 21/2017) 24. Ms Wendy LUNG briefly introduced the paper. She said due to the aging of the basic facilities and the lack of barrier-free and other ancillary facilities at Shing Mun San Tsuen Sitting-out Area, it was proposed that basic refurbishment works of the venue be carried out to improve the situation. The project was forecast to start in 2017/18 with an estimated total cost of about $110,000. Members were asked to consider endorsing the improvement works with DMW funds.

25. The supplements, opinions and responses on the following projects by the Chairman, Members and relevant department representatives were summarised as follows:

(1) A Member enquired about the proposal to construct a jogging trail in Tin Shui Wai Park;

(2) The practice of replanting after removing a tree;

(3) A Member enquired about the reasons for the difference in costs between the two improvement projects of floodlight systems, which were $250,000 for YL-DMW262 and $1,600,000 for YL-DMW268;

(4) A Member said the quality of the turf at Yuen Long Stadium had improved and had won the praise of many people. He thanked the LCSD for its efforts on improving the quality of the turf. However, he said the run-up distance at corner kick areas was too short. He had reflected it many times and enquired about LCSD’s follow-up actions;

9 (5) A Member said there were not many flower types in Tin Tze Garden, hoping that more flower types could be offered. He also said plants suffered from shortage of water due to insufficient frequency of irrigation. Besides, a Member reflected that the excessive glare from the works at Tin Fuk Road Cycling Entry/Exit Hub outside Tin Tze Garden was affecting residents.

(6) The LCSD responded that as the improvement works of the floodlight systems at On Hing Playground were related to re-laying of cables, the project cost of which was higher than that of Tin Yip Road Park which required only the replacement of lamp shades. As regards the corner kick areas at Yuen Long Stadium, they would be improved as well during turf replacement. Besides, she said views on the frequency of irrigation, flower types, lighting, jogging trail, etc. would be followed up after the meeting.

26. The Chairman concluded by hoping that the LCSD would take note of Members’ views and follow them up. Meanwhile, Members unanimously endorsed the basic refurbishment works of the facilities at Kam Tin Shing Mun San Tsuen Sitting-out Area using DMW funding of $110,000.

(Post-meeting note: The LCSD conducted a site inspection with relevant Members on 15 March to follow up the issues of the construction of a jogging trail at Tin Shui Wai Park and the replanting of trees after removal.)

Item 8: Report on the library extension activities organised by LCSD and usage of public libraries in Yuen Long District (DFMC Paper No. 22/2017) 27. Ms Evon SHUM briefly introduced the paper.

28. The Chairman hoped that the LCSD would organise more activities under the theme of the establishment of the Special Administrative Region.

29. Ms Evon SHUM responded that she had already discussed with the headquarters. Roving Exhibition on the Winning Entries (Hong Kong – Senior Primary) of “4‧23 World Book Day Creative Competition” – “Chinese Culture”, as an activity for the anniversary celebration, would be held at the newly completed new Yuen Long Library. Meanwhile, various activities would be held in the second half of the year to celebrate the anniversary.

10 30. A Member expressed concern about the low utilisation rate of the mobile library in and suggested setting up a permanent display at the parking location of the mobile library van to promote the service.

31. Ms Evon SHUM noted Members’ views and said the mobile library timetable was posted monthly on the notice board provided.

32. The Chairman concluded that Members noted the above paper.

Item 9: Report on the cultural and entertainment programmes implemented in Yuen Long District by LCSD as well as the utilisation rate of (DFMC Paper No. 23/2017) 33. Mr Anthony MA briefly introduced the paper.

34. The Chairman hoped that the LCSD would organise more activities under the theme of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

35. Mr Anthony MA said he had been actively making arrangements and hoped to report it at the meeting after confirmation.

36. The Chairman concluded that Members noted the above paper.

Item 10: Any other business 37. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:50 a.m.

Yuen Long District Council Secretariat March 2017

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