The minutes were confirmed on 2.2.2021 without amendment.

Minutes of the Fifth Meeting of District Facilities Management Committee under the District Council in 2020

Date : 6 November 2020 (Friday) Time : 10:00 a.m. - 3:25 p.m. Venue : Conference Room, Council, 13/F., Yuen Long Government Offices, 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long

Present Time of Arrival Time of Withdrawal Chairman: Ms NG Yuk-ying Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Vice-chairman: Mr LI Chung-chi Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Members: Mr AU Kwok-kuen Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr CHAN King-lun, Kisslan Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Ms CHAN Mei-lin Beginning of the meeting 1:50 p.m. Mr CHAN Shu-fai Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Ms CHAN Sze-nga 10:25 a.m. End of the meeting Mr CHEUNG Chi-yeung, Beginning of the meeting 2:00 p.m. Felix Mr CHEUNG Sau-yin 10:35 a.m. 2:00 p.m. Mr CHING Chan-ming Beginning of the meeting 11:30 a.m. Mr FONG Ho-hin Beginning of the meeting 12:00 noon Mr HAU Man-kin Beginning of the meeting 3:15 p.m. Mr HO Wai-pan 11:30 a.m. 2:20 p.m. Mr HONG Chin-wah Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr KWAN Chun-sang 11:15 a.m. 2:35 p.m. Mr KWOK Man-ho 12:05 p.m. 2:50 p.m. Mr LAI Kwok-wing, Samuel Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Ms LAI Po-wa Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr LAI Wing-tim Beginning of the meeting 1:45 p.m. Mr LAM Chun 10:15 a.m. 2:15 p.m. Mr LAM Ting-wai Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr LEE Chun-wai Beginning of the meeting 12:00 noon Mr LEUNG Tak-ming Beginning of the meeting 2:00 p.m. Mr MAK Ip-sing Beginning of the meeting 12:40 p.m. Mr MO Kai-hong Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr SHEK King-ching Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr SZETO Pok-man Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr TANG Ka-leung Beginning of the meeting 1:45 p.m. Mr TANG Yung-yiu, Ronnie Beginning of the meeting 1:45 p.m. Mr TO Ka-lun 10:40 a.m. End of the meeting Mr WONG Pak-yu 10:50 a.m. End of the meeting Mr WONG Wai-yin, Zachary 10:35 a.m. 12:45 p.m. Mr YOUNG Ka-on Beginning of the meeting 1:45 p.m.

Secretary: Miss HO Kit-yi, Sabia Executive Officer (District Council)4, Yuen Long District Office 1

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 YUNG Chi-wai Senior Inspector of Works(2), Yuen Long District Office Ms LO Fung-sun, Grace Liaison Officer-in-charge (Rural 4), Yuen Long District Office Ms WONG Man-ting, Mandy Executive Officer I (District Council), Yuen Long District Office Ms LAM Pui-fun, Maggie Senior Executive Officer (Planning)33, Leisure and Cultural Services Department Ms LO Lai-fong, Jackie Chief Leisure Manager ( North), Leisure and Cultural Services Department Ms CHAN Pik-hing, Connie District Leisure Manager (Yuen Long), 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 (New Territories West) Promotion, Leisure and Cultural Services Department Ms WONG Sau-kuen, Sarah Manager (New Territories West) Marketing and District Activities, Leisure and Cultural Ms CHENG Wai-ling, Adeline Services Department Manager (New Territories West) Marketing and District Activities (Acting), Leisure and Mr LOUEY Wing-hong, Cultural Services Department Jimmy Senior Estate Surveyor/West (District Lands Office, Yuen Long), Lands Department Item III Ms HUI Ka-wai, Minerva Mr CHU Chi-yan Architect (Works)5, Home Affairs Department Senior Architect, Ho & Partners Architects Engineers & Development Consultants Limited Item VI Mr HO Kwai-hung, Barry Senior Executive Officer (District Management), Mr LAM Man-kin, Andy Yuen Long District Office Executive Officer (Community Affairs), Yuen Ms LAI Mo-yi Long District Office Housing Manager/Yuen Long 6, Housing Department Item VII Mr HO Kwai-hung, Barry Senior Executive Officer (District Management), Mr LAM Man-kin, Andy Yuen Long District Office Executive Officer (Community Affairs), Yuen Item IX Long District Office 2

Miss YEUNG Lok-kei, Kiki Senior Engineer/Parking Project 3, Transport Miss LEUNG Yi-ning, Felicia Department Engineer/Parking Project 4, Transport Mr LEE Kar-chun, Wilson Department Engineer/Yuen Long East, Transport Mr WONG Shek-wah, Gary Department Senior Project Manager 325, Architectural Miss LUI Tung-ni Services Department Project Manager 392, Architectural Services Department

Absent Mr LEE Wai-fung, Deco Mr NG Kin-wai Ms WONG Wing-sze (Absent with apologies)

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Opening Remarks The Chairman welcomed Members and government department representatives to the meeting. She said that to reduce the risk of virus transmission in the community, the meeting was not open to the public. Attendees must wear masks when entering or staying at the meeting venue and comply with the epidemic preventive measures implemented by the District Council Secretariat.

2. The Chairman thanked Ms Minerva HUI, Architect (Works) 5 of the Home Affairs Department (“HAD”) and Ms Sarah WONG, Manager (New Territories West) Marketing and District Activities of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (“LCSD”), the outgoing government representatives, for their assistance to the District Facilities Management Committee (“DFMC”) under the Yuen Long District Council (“YLDC”) in the past. She also welcomed Ms Adeline CHENG, successor of the outgoing representative Ms Sarah WONG.

3. The Secretariat received a notification of absence from Ms WONG Wing-sze.

4. The Chairman said the noise nuisance at Tin Yiu Community Centre, which had been referred from the Culture, Arts, Recreation, Sports, Welfare, Education and Public Order Committee (“CAPOC”) under the YLDC to the DFMC for follow-up, would be discussed together with Item VI, “Utilisation rate of community centres/community halls in Yuen Long District”.

5. The Chairman said the revised agenda had been sent to Members via email. (Remark)

(Remark: The Yuen Long District Office, having consulted the relevant departments, wrote to the DFMC Chairman about the Government’s stance on 4 November 2020. As stated in the letter, Item 3

II(1) on the revised agenda, which was not a matter at the district level of Yuen Long District, was considered as incompatible with the functions of a District Council specified in section 61 of the District Councils Ordinance. In this connection, the DFMC Chairman was urged to prudently review the matter and make a decision accordingly. Given that the agenda of the meeting contained an item which did not conform with the provisions of the District Councils Ordinance, the Secretariat would not assist in issuing the paper. In parallel, staff of the Secretariat and other government officers would not attend the meeting or participate in the discussion on the paper in question.)

Item I: Confirmation of the minutes of the fourth meeting in 2020 6. The Chairman concluded that Members unanimously confirmed the above minutes.

Item II: Matters arising: (1) Mr LI Chung-chi, Mr AU Kwok-kuen, Mr CHAN King-lun, Kisslan, Ms CHAN Mei-lin, Mr CHAN Shu-fai, Ms CHAN Sze-nga, Mr CHEUNG Chi-yeung, Felix, Mr CHEUNG Sau-yin, Mr FONG Ho-hin, Mr HAU Man-kin, Mr HO Wai-pan, Mr HONG Chin-wah, Mr KWAN Chun-sang, Mr KWOK Man-ho, Mr LAI Kwok-wing, Samuel, Ms LAI Po-wa, Mr LAM Chun, Mr LAM Ting-wai, Mr LEE Chun-wai, Mr LEE Wai-fung, Deco, Mr LEUNG Tak-ming, Mr MAK Ip-sing, Mr MO Kai-hong, Mr NG Kin-wai, Mr SHEK King-ching, Mr SZETO Pok-man, Mr TO Ka-lun, Mr WONG Pak-yu, Mr WONG Wai-yin, Zachary and Ms WONG Wing- sze proposed to discuss “Concern about self-censorship of book and publication collections in public libraries” (Remark)

Item II: Matters arising: (2) Mr FONG Ho-hin, Mr LEE Chun-wai and Mr SZETO Pok-man proposed to discuss “Concern about the development of balance bike riding and demand for suitable venues in Yuen Long District” (DFMC Paper No. 33/2020) 7. Members’ views were summarised as follows:

(1) It was hoped that residents’ need for balance bike riding would be relayed to the bureau or considered at the policy-making level. Also, an enquiry was made with the LCSD as to whether the number of trial sites for balance bike riding would be expanded, and the District Lands Office, Yuen Long (“DLO”) on what supplementary information would be provided as mentioned in its reply;

(2) A Member opined that it was difficult to gain support from the Cycling Association of , China (“CAHK”) in the application for balance bike riding sites, and hoped a new venue would be developed in Yuen Long. A Member said that a long- term planning on a venue dedicated for balance bike riding should be drawn up for the development of the sport;

(3) The Chairman enquired about the reply of DLO, which stated that no policy support would be given by the HAD;

(4) The Yuen Long District Office (“YLDO”) was requested to respond to Members as to why the department concerned was unable to give policy support for the application for balance bike site, which was stated in the DLO’s reply;

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(5) A Member said that providing balance bike site at the Wang Yip Street South Rest Garden, an inclusive park for pets, would affect the use of the facility by pet owners and their pets. An enquiry was made on whether there was general public support towards the trial scheme as a whole or choosing Wang Yip Street South Rest Garden as a pilot site for balance bike riding. Another enquiry was made on the method of collecting public views and the ratio of positive responses to negative responses; and

(6) A Member enquired whether it would be more appropriate to seek policy support for the balance bike site application from the LCSD.

8. Replies of Ms Connie CHAN of the LCSD were consolidated as follows:

(1) In view of the current public demand for balance bike venues, the LCSD launched a pilot scheme to open up LCSD venues, including Wang Yip Street South Rest Garden in Yuen Long District, for the public to ride balance bikes. Later, the LCSD would collect public views to review the effectiveness of the scheme;

(2) The department would follow up on Member’s enquiry as to how public views had been collected after the meeting; and

(3) The department noted Members’ views on promoting balance bike riding and would pay heed to the development of balance biking. Follow-up action would be taken in a timely manner.

9. Replies of Mr Jimmy LOUEY of the DLO were consolidated as follows:

(1) After receiving an application for the use of a piece of vacant government land for balance bike riding site, the DLO consulted relevant departments in October 2019;

(2) For short-term tenancy (“STT”) applications, support from the relevant policy bureau was required. The DLO would forward the information provided by the applicant to the policy bureau for consideration;

(3) On 24 July 2020, the DLO received a notification from the HAD, requesting the applicant to provide supplementary information and other materials showing the support from the CAHK for further consideration by the Home Affairs Bureau (“HAB”); and

(4) As to whether the LCSD had been consulted on the balancing bike site application, the DLO would give the DFMC a reply on the departments consulted after the meeting.

10. The Chairman concluded that the growing popularity of balance bike riding had prompted demand for new venues. Therefore, he hoped the DLO and the LCSD would provide more suitable venues for new activities such as balance bike riding as far as practicable and arrange and coordinate with the District Councillors concerned on individual sites.

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(Post-meeting note: On 28 December 2020, the Secretariat forwarded to Members the supplementary information in respect of the balance bike site application provided by the District Lands Office, Yuen Long on 22 December 2020.)

Item II: Matters arising: (3) Consolidated report on the recreation and sports activities to be held in Yuen Long District and the management of facilities by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (September 2020 Issue) (DFMC Paper No. 34/2020 (Revised)) 11. Ms Connie CHAN of the LCSD briefed Members on the paper and said she would give an updated report during the discussion of the subsequent items.

12. Members’ views were summarised as follows:

(1) An enquiry was made on the number of trees removed and reasons of removal;

(2) An enquiry was made on the planting of trees and shrubs and the ways to speed up tree planting. Regarding tree replacement on Yuen Long Highway, a Member asked whether there was a decrease in the trees planted. The Member suggested that more trees be planted to create more shade areas as a substitute to walkway covers. Moreover, “tree wells” could be used to moderate the problem of pavement heaves caused by tree roots;

(3) A Member raised the issue on attacks on Chinese Banyan trees by Phauda flammans in areas such as and , and enquired with the LCSD on tree preservation and follow-up actions. The Member suggested that the department disclose information on the affected locations and work with the local group “Conservancy Association”;

(4) A Member enquired whether there was a priority list of tree species in tree planting. The LCSD was suggested to give relevant departments or contractors the priority options with reference to Members’ views on tree planting and shady trees would first be planted along pedestrian ways;

(5) A Member enquired about site management and the cleansing schedule, adding that blocked drains at parks or sitting-out areas after the rain had led to stagnant water. Regarding the LCSD’s reply that no additional litter bins would be provided at Sitting-out Area, the Member enquired with the department about its criteria for installation of facilities. He hoped the department would pay closer attention to the management of the facilities and venues; and

(6) A Member was concerned that drains had been clogged by fallen leaves being swept into them during the cleansing work.

13. Replies of Ms Connie CHAN and Ms Jackie LO of the LCSD were consolidated as follows:

(1) The tree removal figures in the quarterly reports were comparable;

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(2) A number of factors, including the planting season, the characteristics of tree species, the conditions of the tree pits and the geographical environment, would be taken into consideration in the planting/replacement of trees. Besides, the department would select the tree species by making reference to the guidelines and the tree list of about 80 species of the Tree Management Office;

(3) Members were welcomed to advise on tree species to be planted at individual locations;

(4) In case tree roots had affected the surface structure of cycle tracks, the department would carry out tree removal or root pruning as appropriate to ensure public safety. When necessary, the department would consider placing iron gratings around the replanted trees to direct the roots to grow down;

(5) The LCSD would relay Members’ views to the Highways Department (“HyD”), which oversaw tree replanting proposals along Yuen Long Highway;

(6) Regarding Chinese Banyan tree leaves being eaten by the larvae of Phauda flammans, the LCSD staff had immediately applied soap spray on the affected crowns to reduce the number of larvae. An appropriate amount of insecticide was used on larvae found on the trunk from a short distance. The department would continue to closely monitor the health and structure of the trees concerned and take follow-up action in due course;

(7) The department would provide the Member with the locations of the Chinese Banyan trees concerned. The Conservancy Association could also obtain the information from the LCSD if necessary;

(8) The cleansing frequency for parks or sitting-out areas under the LCSD was normally twice a day;

(9) As one of the Government’s measures to reduce waste, the department would gradually provide fewer litter bins but it would still consider putting more bins at individual sites based on actual needs; and

(10) The department would inspect sites where stagnant water was found due to blocked drains, and take follow-up action including reviewing the design of the manhole covers, checking for stagnant water on the ground surface in disrepair and evaluating cleansing arrangements after the rain.

14. The Chairman concluded that Members had noted the above paper. The department was invited to follow up on the management of venues and tree planting with District Councillors of the constituencies.

Item II: Matters arising: (4) Report on the public library extension activities organised by LCSD and usage of public libraries in Yuen Long District (DFMC Paper No. 35/2020 (Revised)) Item XI: Report on the public library extension activities organised by LCSD and usage of 7

public libraries in Yuen Long District (DFMC Paper No. 49/2020) 15. Ms Rica KWAN of the LCSD said that Paper No. 35 was a matter arising from the previous meeting. She suggested that the paper, which did not have any update, be discussed together with the latest report (Paper No. 49).

16. A Member enquired whether there were banned books or collections that were inaccessible to the general public in public libraries in Yuen Long District.

17. Ms KWAN of the LCSD replied that there were no banned books or library collections that were inaccessible to the general public. However, with a large collection of materials, some of them had to be held in closed stacks. Readers could look up these closed-stack items through the computer system in the library and made an access request to the library staff.

18. The Chairman said that Members agreed to discuss Paper Nos. 35 and 49 together.

19. Ms KWAN of the LCSD briefed Members on the paper.

20. Members’ views were summarised as follows:

(1) A Member enquired with the LCSD on the plan to increase the number of small libraries and extend the opening hours of mobile libraries in the district. In view of the upsurge in population in Yuen Long and , he hoped that there would be coordination among the departments to reserve land for library provision;

(2) An enquiry was made on the number of books in closed stacks, removed from the shelves and under review. Another enquiry was made as to whether there was a change in the mechanism for handling the public’s suggestions for acquisition of books;

(3) An enquiry was made concerning whether the LCSD could purchase books with reference to local needs and views of the residents collected by District Councillors of an individual district;

(4) A Member enquired with the LCSD on when a planning development report and the sites identified for the provision of a new library would be available. He said it was undesirable for some areas to rely on mobile library stops for library service. He hoped the sites identified for the new library be made available in two years to make advanced planning for areas with rapid population growth such as Yuen Long South and Kam Tin;

(5) A Member enquired about the service hours of mobile libraries. In view of the low patronage and loan figures at mobile library stops at Sheung Tsuen Park and , he proposed that they be reprovisioned at more suitable locations in the same area. Another Member said that the present mobile library stop at Sheung Tsuen Park was 8

the only suitable location in that area, so he suggested that the LCSD provide publicity posters or banners to promote the mobile library service there;

(6) An enquiry was made on the flooding and broken glass at Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Public Library. It was hoped that the department would tackle the problem as soon as possible and arrange inspections of water accumulated at the rooftop and external wall of the library;

(7) A Member said the low utilisation rate and ineffective service of mobile library stops were caused by inappropriate service hours. He asked the department to review and adjust the service hours of mobile library stops, and suggested that residents’ need to return books be taken into consideration;

(8) A Member suggested a more thorough review of the publicity, locations and service schedules of mobile library stops; and

(9) An enquiry was made on the circulation of e-books, and whether the department would have all printed books scanned to an electronic version;

21. Replies of Ms Rica KWAN of the LCSD were consolidated as follows:

(1) The LCSD, in the planning of the new library facilities, made reference to the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (“HKPSG”) formulated by the Planning Department (“PlanD”), which stipulated that a district library should be provided for every 200 000 persons. Moreover, in the provision of new library facilities, the LCSD would have to consider other factors, including the population change and the projected growth in the district, community facility development plan, availability of suitable sites, and distribution and the utilisation rates of existing library facilities. The department had noted Members’ views on setting up a new library and the population growth in Yuen Long District. It would work on the planning of a new library in Yuen Long District in accordance with the HKPSG;

(2) She reiterated the Government’s stance that matters in relation to review of books should not be further discussed at the District Council. With no change in the policy of considering the suggestions for book acquisitions, the department would handle the suggestions under the established mechanism and procedures. Members of the public were welcomed to give book suggestions to enrich the collection of the Hong Kong Public Libraries (“HKPL”) and widen the public’s scope of reading;

(3) Suggestions for purchase of books were considered according to the library collection status as well as its overall collection development strategies. Under the collection development policy of the HKPL, library collections were integrated and developed in a systematic way. Collections in different district libraries were distinctive and yet complementary to one another. Therefore, the department would review the demand of the district, but would have to keep in line with the overall development direction of library collection when considering the suggestions;

(4) The department would report to the District Councillor of the area and DFMC Members in due course after finalising the plan for the provision of new library 9

facilities. The population of Yuen Long District stood at about 600 000. In the district there were one major library (Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Public Library), one district library (Yuen Long Public Library), one small library (Tin Shui Wai North Public Library) and 12 mobile library stops. The LCSD was operating public library facilities in Yuen Long District with reference to the standards of the HKPSG, which set out that a district library should be provided for every 200 000 persons. The LCSD would continue to monitor the projected population growth in areas such as Kam Tin and to plan for the provision of new library facilities in a timely manner. No specific information could be given at the present stage;

(5) Mobile library services played a supplementary role to district libraries in enhancing the public library service networks in the districts. They were provided for residents with urgent needs or in remote areas where static libraries could not be provided in the vicinity. The LCSD had assessed the mobile library services. For instance, the mobile library stop in Kam Tin was relocated to Long Shin Estate after review and consultation with the YLDC. After the reprovisioning, the new mobile library stop was put into service in June 2019. The department would actively pursue and follow up on Members’ suggestions on the reprovisioning of mobile library stops. In identifying a site for reprovisioning mobile library stops, provision of supporting facilities such as power supply and notice boards was one of the factors to be considered. The department would approach District Councillor of the area where the mobile library stop with low utilisation rate was situated to discuss whether there was a suitable location for reprovisioning in the same area;

(6) While no persistent flooding had been observed at Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Public Library, bricks that fell off from the external wall had been re-laid. Besides, the department had liaised with the Architectural Services Department (“ArchSD”) to follow up on a piece of broken glass. It was expected that the maintenance and replacement works would be completed in this financial year. Furthermore, the LCSD would make on-site inspections with Members later to assess and follow up on the problem of water accumulated at the rooftop and external wall;

(7) Currently, the LCSD was operating 12 mobile library vans and 114 mobile library stops serving Hong Kong Island, and the New Territories. The service hours of mobile library stops were determined depending on the demand and the time slots available at the time when the stops were provided. Therefore, the service hours of the mobile library stops could not be extended and no more mobile library stops could be provided at other locations at the moment;

(8) The LCSD would arrange to produce banners and posters to promote mobile library services for Members to display;

(9) The usage of e-books had greatly increased during the pandemic with average monthly accesses of more than 200 000; and

(10) Due to copyright reasons, the LCSD could not have all books scanned. Nevertheless, the department had been promoting e-reading free from geographical and time constraints, and acquiring e-books. The HKPL had a present collection of more than 360 000 e-books.

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

Item III: Progress report on District Minor Works (DMW) Programme (projects proposed by District Council Members) (DFMC Paper No. 42/2020) _ 23. The Chairman welcomed the following persons to the meeting:

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

Ho & Partners Architects Engineers & Development Consultants Ltd. Senior Architect Mr CHU Chi-yan, Nelson

24. The comments and responses of DFMC Members and the representatives of relevant departments on the following projects were summarised as follows:

(1) “Construction of a Sitting-out Area at the junction of Kong Yau Road and Fung Cheung Road” (YL-DMW315) - A Member urged the consultancy firm to complete the preliminary design and commence the works project as soon as possible; - Ms Maggie LAM of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (“LCSD”) responded that the consultancy firm was undertaking a preliminary design of the works project and would brief the DFMC upon its completion; and - Ms Minerva HUI of the Home Affairs Department (“HAD”) added that the LCSD was applying to the Lands Department (“LandsD”) for allocation of land. On the other hand, the consultancy firm had applied to the Drainage Services Department (“DSD”) for the arrangements of drainage facilities and to the Highways Department (“HyD”) for the modification of the slope stabilisation wall. The departments concerned would brief DFMC Members on the progress in due course after completion of the preliminary design.

(2) “Construction of a walkway cover from the rear gate of Tin Yau Court to Yiu Yat House at Tin Fuk Road in Tin Shui Wai” - A DFMC Member enquired about the status of the works project, saying that Ms Minerva HUI of the HAD had said at the previous meeting that the department would study again, after the confirmation of the design for the lift in a public market project at Tin Fuk Road, the remaining section of the walkway that could be for construction of a walkway cover to seamlessly connect with the works project; and - Ms Minerva HUI of the HAD responded that the works project (District Minor Works (DMW) Programme No. 35/2013) on “Construction of a walkway cover from the rear gate of Tin Yau Court to Yiu Yat House at Tin Fuk Road in Tin Shui Wai” had been kept in Part C of the paper for follow-up action. The works project was located outside the MTR Tin Shui Wai Station and to the south of Tin Yau Court, but fell into the proposed scope of the public market at Tin Fuk Road. Upon completion of the public market project, and if the works project was approved by the DMFC and included in Part B of the paper followed by 11

preliminary research, the HAD would then follow up on the research of the walkway cover, which was designed to seamlessly connect the exit of the market with the remaining walkway sections.

(3) “Construction of walkway covers from Hung Yuen Road to Light Rail ” - A Member called for a site inspection to understand how the works project would affect housing projects that were for in-situ rehousing purposes.

25. The comments and responses of Members and the relevant department representatives in respect of the priorities of works projects were summarised as follows:

(1) A Member opined that the priorities of “other DMW proposals for follow-up action” listed in Part C of the paper should be reviewed at this meeting;

(2) The Chairman said that no site inspections had been carried out on some of the works projects since the epidemic outbreak. She hoped that Yuen Long District Office (“YLDO”) could arrange site inspections of the works projects listed in Part C of the paper prior to the next meeting, followed by a review of their priorities after the inspections;

(3) A Member said that there was no need to arrange site inspections of works projects that had been inspected before, and suggested that Members should first decide whether the works projects inspected should go ahead first;

(4) The Chairman said that she had made several site inspection suggestions at Members’ request, and that other departments had also arranged site inspections of drainage facilities and the area of Loop for some of the District Councillors at different times. She hoped that the YLDO could arrange site inspections during the current year when the epidemic situation was stabilising. Another Member opined that site inspections should be exempt from the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap 599G of the Laws of Hong Kong);

(5) Mr Nixon NG of the YLDO responded that site inspections for all DFMC Members could not be arranged for the time being after referring to legal advice and in light of the latest epidemic developments. He suggested Members consider whether preliminary research should be carried out on the works projects inspected and whether to implement, and commission consultancy firms to follow up on, the works projects inspected. He said that the YLDO would closely monitor the development of the epidemic situation and arrange site inspections as soon as possible wherever circumstances permitted, while keeping the Chairman posted about the situation;

(6) The Chairman enquired whether the relevant legal advice would apply to other departments, and whether it was feasible for Members to do site inspections in groups;

(7) Mr NG of the YLDO responded that they would consider the Chairman’s suggestion;

(8) A Member pointed out that site inspection was not a must, and that DMW proposals listed in Part C of the paper for follow-up action should be implemented as soon as 12

possible. He called for cancellation or re-rescheduling of site inspections where circumstances permitted in the future. Another Member said that he had contacted the YLDO’s Works Section during the epidemic in connection with the individual site inspections of maintenance works in other areas. Separately, he agreed that there was no need to await completion of site inspection prior to commencement of a works project, while suggesting that the Members select works projects at this meeting from Part C of the paper for preliminary research;

(9) The Chairman said that site inspections did not require the presence of all DFMC Members, and requested the YLDO and relevant District Councillors to carry out site inspections individually where required. She added that there was no need to re- inspect works projects that had been inspected before;

(10) Mr NG of the YLDO responded that he had taken note of Members’ views on the arrangements for site inspections and would follow up on the issue with relevant departments. Mr NG said that the DFMC could consider at this stage further implementation of works projects. He added Members could select works projects in Part C of the paper, for which they considered it necessary to engage consultancy firms to carry out preliminary research, in order to accelerate implementation by departments and the consultancy firm;

(11) A Member suggested that it should be decided as to whether they should continue to take forward the works projects initiated by the incumbent District Councillors. Another Member voiced objection to the cancellation of the works projects initiated by the former District Councillors. He said that the proposed works projects should be put on record for follow-up action. Another Member said that implementation of a proposed works project depended on whether it could suit the needs of residents;

(12) A Member suggested that Members should, at this meeting, select projects in Part C of the paper for implementation, saying that previous works projects had been progressing very slowly. Another Member said that the implementation priorities of the works projects listed in Part C of the paper should be left for a review at the next meeting. Another Member pointed out that the DFMC had decided earlier that they should, at this meeting, select priority projects for implementation from Part C of the paper. Another Member suggested that Members vote on the works projects they considered suitable for implementation;

(13) The Chairman invited Members to vote, by a show of hands and by secret ballot, on (a) deciding at this meeting or (b) discussing at the next meeting which works projects selected from Part C of the paper would be prioritised for implementation;

(14) The Chairman announced that 18 of the 29 Members present at the meeting had voted for (a) deciding at this meeting the priorities of the works projects in Part C of the paper while 8 Members had voted for (b) discussing the issue at the next meeting. He said that an absolute majority of Members had voted for discussing at the meeting the priorities of the works projects in Part C of the paper;

(15) The Chairman requested Members to put forward and vote on the priority works projects for implementation;

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(16) The priority works projects for implementation proposed by Members included “Construction of a stormwater drain on the government land across from Winky Garden,” “Provision of recreational facilities for children and recreational and sports facilities for the elderly at a sitting-out area of Shui Tsiu San Tsuen Road, Shap ”, “Provision of a sitting-out area (on an open area adjacent to One Regent Place)”, “Provision of a children’s playground next to Ha Tsuen Football Pitch”, “Provision of a regular basketball court in Sha Chau Lei Tsuen of Ha Tsuen”, “Reconstruction of the temporary park outside in Ping Shan Heung to an LCSD park with fitness facilities for the elderly” [Original project title: Provision of fitness facilities for the elderly in the park outside Wang Chau Lam Uk Tsuen in Ping Shan Heung], and “Pat Heung Road Basketball Court”;

(17) The Chairman asked Members to vote, by a show of hands and by secret ballot, on whether to prioritise the implementation of the works projects. She said that implementation priority would be accorded to works projects with more than half of the votes from Members present at the meeting;

(18) The Chairman announced that 23 Members at the meeting voted on three works projects, namely “Construction of a stormwater drain on the government land across from Winky Garden”, “Provision of a sitting-out area (on an open area adjacent to One Regent Place)” and “Provision of recreational facilities for children and recreational and sports facilities for the elderly at a sitting-out area of Shui Tsiu San Tsuen Road, ”. The three works projects secured 20, 20 and 21 votes respectively, and the DFMC endorsed priority to their implementation;

(19) Mr NG of the YLDO said that he had noted that the DFMC had accorded implementation priority to three works projects, namely “Construction of a stormwater drain on the government land across from Winky Garden”, “Provision of a sitting-out area (on an open area adjacent to One Regent Place)” and “Provision of recreational facilities for children and recreational and sports facilities for the elderly at a sitting-out area of Shui Tsiu San Tsuen Road, Shap Pat Heung”. He said that discussions would be held with relevant departments to see which of them would be leading and following up on the works projects. He also asked DFMC Members to note that no consultancy firm would be engaged to conduct preliminary research for the works projects that could be done by the Works Section of the YLDO, with relevant data updates remarked in the paper;

(20) Another Member then suggested according implementation priority to four works projects, namely “Provision of a children’s playground next to Ha Tsuen Football Pitch”, “Provision of a regular basketball court in Sha Chau Lei Tsuen of Ha Tsuen”, “Reconstruction of the temporary park outside Wang Chau Lam Uk Tsuen in Ping Shan Heung to an LCSD park with fitness facilities for the elderly” [Original project title: Provision of fitness facilities for the elderly in the park outside Wang Chau Lam Uk Tsuen in Ping Shan Heung], and “Pat Heung Road Basketball Court”. The Chairman asked Members to vote, by a show of hands and by secret ballot, on whether to accord implementation priority to the works projects. She said that implementation of any of the projects would be prioritised if they secured votes from more than half of the Members present at the meeting. The Chairman announced that 26 Members present at the meeting had voted on the works projects, namely “Provision of a children’s playground next to Ha Tsuen Football Pitch”, “Provision 14

of a regular basketball court in Sha Chau Lei Tsuen of Ha Tsuen”, “Reconstruction of the temporary park outside Wang Chau Lam Uk Tsuen in Ping Shan Heung to an LCSD park with fitness facilities for the elderly” [Original project title: Provision of fitness facilities for the elderly in the park outside Wang Chau Lam Uk Tsuen in Ping Shan Heung], and “Pat Heung Road Basketball Court”. As the four works projects secured 17, 4, 5 and 5 votes respectively, only the project of “Provision of a children’s playground next to Ha Tsuen Football Pitch” was endorsed implementation priority. The Chairman said that the projects accorded no implementation priority would be kept in Part C of the paper for follow-up action; and

(21) Ms Minerva HUI of the HAD added that the works projects would be dealt with by either the YLDO’s Works Section, LCSD or HAD after a review in accordance with the workflow of the “Implementation of the District Minor Works Project”. According to Ms HUI, the consultancy firm had finished the preliminary research on the works project of “Provision of a children’s playground next to Ha Tsuen Football Pitch”, and initially considered the project as feasible, except that some facilities there required adjustments because of a registered DSD slope nearby. Ms HUI said that the entire works project had an area of approximately 640 square metres. The LCSD and the project proponent both confirmed that the works project would provide various recreational facilities for children at an estimated cost of approximately $11.64 million, according to the results of the preliminary research by the consultancy firm. Ms HUI sought Members’ endorsement of commissioning a consultancy firm to conduct a feasibility study on the above project.

26. A Member said that the Traffic and Transport Committee would discuss at the next meeting the provision of a walkway cover that could be up to 500 metres in length. He said that DFMC Members could file an application if they were interested in the works project, which had been given implementation priority and could benefit larger numbers of people.

27. A Member said that the HAD and the Home Affairs Bureau were performing duties that were somewhat different from those in the previous YLDC term, and that they were not working well with the YLDC. He expected the HAD to respond to the issues. Another Member mentioned the DFMC’s earlier decision to await completion of the ongoing study on the walkway cover project undertaken by a consultancy firm prior to a review of it. He also enquired whether the walkway cover project was blocked by any roads and thus would be split into parts. He also enquired about the section of the walkway cover that connected the Grandeur Terrace Terminus, as well as about the start and end points of a walkway cover in a works project to connect the Light Rail Tin Yiu Stop with an area outside Tin Yiu Plaza.

28. Ms Minerva HUI of the HAD, responded that the five walkway cover projects listed in Part B of the paper were highly connected and would not be split into parts. Ms HUI briefed Members on the progress of the walkway cover projects, saying that exploration (non-drilling) works had been completed for the following works projects: “Construction of a covered walkway from the junction of Tin Kwai Road and Tin Lung Road to Tin Shing Road, Tin Shui Wai” (YL-DMW342); “Construction of Covered Walkway from Tin Ching Estate to Tin Yuet Light Rail Station, Tin Shui Wai” (YL-DMW343); “Construction of Covered Walkway from Tin Yiu Light Rail Station to near Tin Yiu Plaza, Tin Shui Wai” (YL-DMW344); and “Construction of Covered Walkway from Yuen 15

Long South to ” (YL-DMW348). Ms HUI said that the HAD was writing to a pipeline company, relevant departments and the MTR Corporation Limited (“MTRCL”) in relation to the arrangements for pipeline facilities, while at the same time arranging departments to take up repairs and maintenance of vertical greening and following up with the Water Supplies Department (“WSD”) on the problems with the irrigation system. Ms HUI responded that there were no sections of the walkway covers in the projects and of the completed walkway cover near Grandeur Terrace Terminus that were intercepted by a road. Ms HUI added that the scope of works of “Construction of a walkway cover from Light Rail Tin Yiu Stop to the area outside Tin Yiu Plaza in Tin Shui Wai” spanned from a road junction of the bus stop near Tin Yiu Plaza to the LRT station and would not be extended to the shopping mall.

29. Some Members suggested that the paper show whether the project proponent was an incumbent District Councillor.

30. The Chairman’s response was summarised as follows:

(1) Members had taken note of the above paper;

(2) Regarding the proposal raised by some of DFMC Members to accord implementation priority to works projects, four of them obtained endorsement after voting by Members present at the meeting. They included “Construction of a stormwater drain on the government land outside Winky Garden,” “Provision of a sitting-out area (on an open area adjacent to One Regent Place)”, “Provision of recreational facilities for children and recreational and sports facilities for the elderly at a sitting-out area of Shui Tsiu San Tsuen Road, Shap Pat Heung” and “Provision of a children’s playground next to Ha Tsuen Football Pitch”; and

(3) A consultancy firm would be commissioned to conduct a feasibility study on the works project of “Provision of a children’s playground next to Ha Tsuen Football Pitch”.

Item IV: Proposals on DMW Projects submitted by Members for the consideration of DFMC (DFMC Paper No. 43/2020 (Revised)) 31. Members’ views were summarised as follows:

(1) The project proponent said that he expected the number of people benefiting from “the enlargement and renovation of the sitting-out area beside the Vegetable Station on Kam Tin Road” to surge because of a transitional housing project nearby;

(2) The project proponent put forward a revised proposal for “Construction of a cover for the walkway outside Tin Tsz Estate at Tin Shing Road leading to LRT Tin Shui Wai Station” (No. 36/2013). It was pointed out that the works project was put forward in 2013 but was screened out as the site overlapped with the proposed site for a public market at Tin Fuk Road. The works area in the proposal for the project had been revised to cover the walkway outside Tin Tsz Estate at Tin Shing Road to prevent residents from sun and rain exposure; and

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(3) The project proponent hoped that the Transport Department and other relevant departments would provide relevant pedestrian flow data for reference in relation to the proposal of “widening the walkway at the ‘Food Street’ of Grandeur Terrace”.

32. The Chairman said that Members had taken note of the above paper and agreed to include the proposals of DMW Project Nos. 10/2020, 11/2020 and 36/2013 (Revised) in the DMW list.

Item V: Progress report on Minor Environmental Improvement Programme in 2020/21 (DFMC Paper No. 44/2020) 33. Mr YUNG Chi-wai of the YLDO briefed Members on the paper.

34. As Members raised no questions, the Chairman concluded that they had taken note of the above paper (including the approval of raising the budget for the project YL-DMW364 to $480,000).

Item VI: Utilisation rate of community centres/community halls in Yuen Long District (DFMC Paper No. 45/2020) 35. The Chairman welcomed the following persons to the meeting:

Yuen Long District Office Senior Executive Officer (District Management) Mr HO Kwai-hung, Barry Executive Officer (Community Affairs) Mr LAM Man-kin, Andy

Housing Department Assistant Housing Manager (Yuen Long 6) Ms LAI Mo-yi

36. Mr Andy LAM of the YLDO briefed Members on the paper.

37. Members’ views were summarised as follows:

(1) It was pointed out that the actual utilisation rates of the conference room at the Yuen Long Town East Community Hall (“YLTECH”) during the epidemic period could not be reflected by the programme to reserve the conference rooms of the community hall for meetings by owners’ corporations (“OCs”)/owners’ committees (“OComms”)/rural committees (“RCs”) in the district. An enquiry was made about the effectiveness of the programme. It was suggested that the specific time slots of the conference rooms at Long Ping Community Hall (“LPCH”) and other community halls/community centres (CHs/CCs) should be reserved to serve the meeting purpose of OCs/OComms/RCs;

(2) An enquiry was made as to the length of period for YLTECH to be used as a testing centre, the reservation method of the venues during the period, and the feasibility of introducing a trial run of reserving specific time slots at other CHs/CCs to serve the meeting purpose of OCs/OComms/RCs;

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(3) It was pointed out that the YLDO should have notified Members of the arrangements for YLTECH to be used as a community testing centre. An enquiry was made as to the inclusion of the funding application of YLTECH into the scheme on “Extension of Opening Hours for CHs/CCs in Yuen Long District”. The Chairman said that the YLDO should proactively provide remedial plans to respond to special circumstances, such as the use of the community hall as a testing centre;

(4) It was not a satisfactory arrangement that Saturday evening time slots at LPCH would not be available for booking until July 2021 onwards. The groups concerned would need to find an alternative venue to hold their activities during the period when YLTECH was used as a testing centre;

(5) The Chairman asked relevant Members to raise their questions about the noise problem of Tin Yiu Community Centre (“TYCC”) as the Culture, Arts, Recreation, Sports, Welfare, Education and Public Order Committee (“CAPOC”) had referred the issue to the DFMC for follow-up action; and

(6) Regarding the noise problem of TYCC, a Member enquired about the works for the facilities there and the YLDO’s progress in improving noise measurement standards and noise control. He pointed out that exhaust pipes at the community centre faced five buildings, and hoped that the YLDO could set noise standards. The CAPOC said that it would continue to oppose funding allocations for TYCC due to the unsolved noise problem there. It suggested establishing objective standards and a mechanism to deal with the problem, and hoped that the YLDO would adjust inspection arrangements according to the nature of the activity and write to update organisations on the noise problem. It also suggested that the YLDO make reference to the practice of Tin Shui Wai Plaza in capping the number of activities per month involving the use of audio equipment. An enquiry was also made as to the timetable for noise reduction.

38. Responses of Mr Barry HO and Mr Andy LAM of the YLDO were consolidated as follows:

(1) The programme to open the conference room of YLTECH for reservation by OCs/OComms/RCs for the meeting purpose had been in place for some time. The YLDO had briefed at the previous meeting the DFMC on the effectiveness of the programme, and would change from 2021 onwards the reservation time slot from non-holiday Thursdays to Saturdays to align with the meeting time of OCs. The YLDO would also consider whether to provide specific reservation time slots at other CHs/CCs for booking by OCs/OComms/RCs and would make relevant suggestions to the DFMC as far as practicable;

(2) YLTECH would be used as a temporary community testing centre for about three months. No application had been received during this period for reservation of the conference room from OCs/OComms/RCs for the meeting purpose. As the study room there was also temporarily closed, people in need and students in the district could use study rooms at other CHs/CCs and venues provided by schools and the LCSD;

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(3) If the DFMC decided to also reserve the conference room of LPCH during specific time slots for the meetings of OCs/OComms/RCs, the YLDO would follow up on the matter and notify groups that the conference room there would be reserved on non- holiday Saturdays for the meetings of OCs/OComms/RCs. As quarterly applications had to be made four to five months in advance, and if Members agreed to the suggestion, the arrangements would be implemented in July 2021;

(4) Regarding the noise problem of TYCC, the YLDO had issued internal guidelines to its frontline staff and asked them to offer noise reduction advice to relevant groups. If the advice turned futile, a warning letter would be sent to the relevant group with actions to be taken under the demerit points system. If the frontline staff encountered problems that they could not deal with in the process of implementing noise control, they could immediately contact their superiors for further instructions. In addition, the YLDO would deploy its staff to mount blitz operations of the venue and follow up with relevant departments on how to enhance sound insulation;

(5) The frontline YLDO staff would make judgments and offer advice according to the actual situation of each individual case;

(6) Noise measurement involved the use of specialised equipment, standards and methods and could not be done easily, while the proposal of setting a monthly usage limit according to the nature of the activity would lead to wide-ranging implications and needed to be considered in detail. The YLDO had noted and would consider Members’ views, and would write in a timely manner to remind groups to keep down their activity sound levels; and

(7) The YLDO could not provide a specific timetable for noise reduction, but would step up inspections at this stage.

39. The Chairman concluded that Members had taken note of the above paper and requested the department concerned to update Members in due course on their progress in addressing the noise problem at TYCC.

Item VII: Report on the Scheme on “Extension of Opening Hours for Community Halls/ Community Centres in Yuen Long District” and funding applications for 2020-2021 (DFMC Paper No. 51/2020) 40. Mr Barry HO of the YLDO briefed Members on the paper.

41. The Chairman concluded that Members had taken note of the above paper and approved the funding allocation of $59,000 to the YLDC for the implementation of the scheme on “Extension of Opening Hours for Community Halls/Community Centres in Yuen Long District” for 2020-2021.

Item VIII: Question raised by Members: Mr KWAN Chun-sang and Mr HONG Chin-wah proposed to discuss “Removal of chess tables outside T Town Market in Tin Shui Wai” (DFMC Paper No. 46/2020) 19

42. Members’ views were summarised as follows:

(1) A Member pointed out that there were gambling activities in the area of chess tables outside T Town in Tin Shui Wai, causing serious hygienic issues. The YLDO had consulted the chairmen of several mutual aid committees (“MACs”) and District Councillors on the issue a few months before. As it was the DFMC which decided the provision of the chess tables, he hoped that it could follow up on the management of the chess tables;

(2) An enquiry was made about the management of the chess tables and the public consultation;

(3) It was pointed out that the maintenance of the chess tables had been far from satisfactory, and that the closure of the chess tables during the epidemic period had been improper;

(4) An enquiry was made as to whether the YLDO had decided to remove the chess tables. A Member said that that it should not be decided by the DFMC as to whether the chess tables would be removed, and that the agenda only reflected the opinions of more than 100 residents who requested removal of the chess tables;

(5) The Chairman asked Members who had raised questions what follow-up actions they hoped could be taken; and

(6) A Member hoped that the chess tables could be removed to fulfil the wishes of residents.

43. Responses of Mr Nixon NG and Mr YUNG Chi-wai were consolidated as follows:

(1) The YLDO was responsible for the maintenance of the chess tables concerned except for their management. The YLDO had noted that the chess tables caused the problem, and had relayed it to the Department of Health (“DH”) and Tin Shui Wai Police Station. If the DFMC raised no objection to the removal of the chess tables, the Works Section of the YLDO would go ahead with their removal;

(2) The YLDO noted Members’ views on issues such as targets of consultation and consultation channels, and would reflect them to the HAD for re-consideration;

(3) The works project of chess tables was initiated by the YLDC. The YLDO acted as a works agent to maintain the chess tables, and did not own the relevant land rights;

(4) Government land that was not allocated and approved according to the established procedures should be managed by relevant lead departments;

(5) The YLDO noted the unsatisfactory closure of the chess tables during the pandemic;

(6) The YLDO would proceed to remove the chess tables, which would take about one month to complete; and

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(7) As the YLDC constituted a part of the advisory framework, residents would express their opinions to the YLDO through District Councillors. If Members had no other views on the removal of the chess tables, the YLDO would respect the views of the local community and remove the chess tables.

44. The Chairman concluded that Members had taken note of the above paper, and requested the department concerned to follow up on the removal of the chess tables.

Item IX: Planning concepts of the sports facilities with public vehicle park in Tung Tau Industrial Area in Yuen Long (DFMC Paper No. 47/2020) 45. The Chairman welcomed the following persons to the meeting:

Transport Department Senior Engineer/Parking Project 3 Miss YEUNG Lok-kei, Kiki Engineer/Parking Project 4 Miss LEUNG Yi-ning, Felicia Engineer/Yuen Long East Mr LEE Kar-chun, Wilson

Architectural Services Department Senior Project Manager 325 Mr WONG Shek-wah, Gary Project Manager 392 Miss LUI Tung-ni

46. Members’ views were summarised as follows:

(1) A Member suggested provision of an additional level at the sports facilities concerned, citing insufficient space in the office areas, changing rooms and shower facilities there. Another Member enquired whether the changing rooms there could meet the needs of players when multiple games were held at the same time, and whether Lunar New Year fairs would be held at Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground and whether the number of toilets would be increased accordingly;

(2) A Member suggested provision of children’s amusement facilities in the fitness area. Another Member suggested that the Architectural Services Department (“ArchSD”) make reference to the “City Dress Up: Seats ‧ Together” design of Nam Cheong Park when designing the landscape area, and provide artificial turf and children’s amusement facilities;

(3) A Member enquired about the two seven-a-side hard-surface football pitches-cum- handball courts, saying that only one of them was built with the design concept of multi-purpose hard-surface court. Another Member said that there were no five-a- side football pitches for youth training in the district. He expressed favour of five- a-side football pitch designs, saying that that markings on multi-purpose football pitches would have little effect on football pitch users;

(4) A Member pointed out that private car parking spaces were insufficient and could not meet the demand in the district, where the illegal parking problem was serious. He suggested provision of a basement car parking lot and additional parking spaces; 21

(5) An enquiry was made as to whether the gradients and curve radius of the contour of the car park design were suitable for large vehicles, and as to the design of the ventilating system in the car park;

(6) A Member pointed out that football pitches without barriers near roads posed safety risks. He suggested barriers be set up around the seven-a-side hard-surface football pitch-cum-handball court near Hong Yip Street as the venue could be used as a five- a-side football pitch. An enquiry was made as to the cost estimate and the feasibility of the proposed works, as long as this would not affect the arrangement to put markings on the seven-a-side hard-surface football pitch-cum-handball court in the future; and

(7) A Member suggested making reference to the designs of non-physical fences in other countries, such as removable nylon nets;

47. Responses of Mr Gary WONG of the ArchSD were consolidated as follows:

(1) There was not sufficient space for provision of offices, public toilets and shower facilities. Regarding the proposal to provide an additional level at the sports facilities concerned, the space utilisation rate of a two-storey design would be lower, and there was a need to consider other issues, such as lifts and fire service installations. The ArchSD and the LCSD would re-consider the request in relation to the number of shower facilities;

(2) The ArchSD and the LCSD would study the feasibility of converting fitness facilities into children’s amusement facilities;

(3) The gradients and curve radius of the contour of the car park would be designed according to relevant guidelines, and thus suitable for large vehicles to use it;

(4) Any works project had to meet the requirement of achieving a green coverage equivalent to at least 20% of the site area. According to the existing design, life plants would be planted in the landscape area. As artificial turf was not included in greenery area calculations, the proposed addition of artificial turf would be considered a separate design outside the landscape area. On the other hand, if the project included children’s amusement facilities, the facilities originally planned for the project would be replaced due to safety concerns and space limitations. The ArchSD would make reference to the “City Dress Up: Seats ‧ Together” design of Nam Cheong Park as suggested by the member;

(5) The entire football pitches were equipped with fences. The football pitch near Hong Yip Street was designed as a seven-a-side hard-surface football pitch-cum-handball court rather than as a five-a-side football pitch in order not to shorten the distance between the football pitch and the road. The ArchSD took note of Members’ views on the set-up of barriers around the football pitch, and would re-study the issue relating to the side-line safety area and the barrier design;

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(6) No cost data were available with the project still in the design stage, but would be provided after the proposal on construction costs had been submitted to relevant Legislative Council committees for discussion; and

(7) The ArchSD would study enhancing the fences of the entire football pitch when proceeding to provide a safe buffer zone and consider the visual effects of the design.

48. Responses of Ms Maggie LAM and Ms CHAN Pik-hing of the LCSD were consolidated as follows:

(1) The FEHD would provide temporary toilets at Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground where the Lunar New Year fair was held to cope with large numbers of people. The LCSD would refer to Members’ opinions on the number of changing rooms, toilets and shower facilities when preparing for the designs of the facilities again in the future;

(2) Regarding football pitch designs, the LCSD already took into account the member’s proposal to mark the lines on two seven-a-side hard-surface football pitches to make them into multi-purpose hard-surface pitches. The LCSD would study and follow up on the matter; and

(3) The LCSD would follow up with the ArchSD on Members’ proposal to enhance the fences of football pitches.

49. Responses of Miss Kiki YEUNG and Mr Wilson LEE of the TD were consolidated as follows:

(1) The TD could adjust the ratio of parking spaces for various vehicle types according to Members’ views, although there were 190 public parking spaces for various types of vehicles including private cars according to the design. Regarding Members’ proposal to provide a basement parking lot, the existing TD planning was to provide a single-level car park due to location limitations of ventilating facilities and the concern that excessive vehicle traffic might affect nearby areas;

(2) There were also public parking spaces for private cars in projects at Tung Tau Industrial Area in Yuen Long, such as the Hi Yip Street redevelopment project and the Wang Yip Street West project. As there were large numbers of parking spaces for commercial vehicles at roadside in Tung Tau Industrial Area at night, the initial proposal was that there should be more parking spaces for commercial vehicles to meet the demand. However, as many residential projects had emerged in the district in recent years and given the opinions of the local community, the TD had increased the number of private car parking spaces to 80. The TD would consider adjusting the parking space ratios according to the demand and Members’ views; and

(3) The TD had taken note of Members’ views and would give due consideration.

50. The Chairman concluded that Members had taken note of the above paper and requested 23 the departments concerned to follow up on the recommendations on improvements, such as following up on the fence design. She hoped that the departments could update Members on amendments to the works project and provide relevant cost data in due course.

Item X: Consolidated report on the recreation and sports activities to be held in Yuen Long District and the management of facilities by LCSD (November 2020 Issue) (DFMC Paper No. 48/2020 (Revised)) 51. Ms Connie CHAN of the LCSD briefed Members on the paper.

52. Members’ views were summarised as follows:

(1) A Member expressed support for designating Tin Ho Road Playground as an inclusive park for pets, and enquired on the arrangements about children’s play facilities;

(2) An enquiry was made on the cleansing frequency of inclusive parks for pets, and whether play equipment for pets would be provided;

(3) The Chairman enquired whether Tin Ho Road Playground would be designated as an inclusive park for pets on a long-term or short-term pilot basis. She also enquired about the implementation schedule of the scheme;

(4) An enquiry was made on the arrangements for collecting public opinions;

(5) An enquiry was made on whether more trees could be planted at shrub areas to improve shading;

(6) A Member enquired whether the modification works projects at Fung Cheung Road Garden, Tin Shui Wai Park and Yuen Long Park were routine renovation works. He also enquired about the positioning, purposes and design direction of the projects. Another Member suggested that more lawn areas be provided for children to play in and that reference be made to Nam Cheong Park or Jordan Valley Park in the design of Tin Shui Wai Park; and

(7) An enquiry was made on whether the department would organise workshops to collect public views for Fung Cheung Road Garden only and the reasons for that.

53. Replies of Ms Connie CHAN and Ms Jackie LO of the LCSD were consolidated as follows:

(1) To ensure the safety of users of children’s play facilities, the LCSD would erect a sign stating the Users’ Code at inclusive parks for pets and engage more security guards to step up inspections and make timely verbal requests;

(2) The LCSD would assign venue cleansing duties to cleansing workers and on-site staff. Apart from putting up signs and banners and providing dog excreta collection bins, the department would consider providing play equipment for pets where possible; 24

(3) Tin Ho Road Playground would be designated as an inclusive park for pets on a long- term basis and Members could propose any revisions to the scheme in view of its effectiveness in the future. Works in connection with the inclusive park for pets were expected to complete by end-December;

(4) The department had noted the view of planting more trees;

(5) For the public consultation work on the modification works projects for children’s playgrounds in Fung Cheung Road Garden, Tin Shui Wai Park and Yuen Long Park to offer inclusive play equipment, reference had mainly been made to the practice of Tuen Mun Park project, in which public views were collected through workshops and questionnaires for enhancing the inclusive play equipment at the children’s playground there. The aim was to meet the needs and expectations of users of the playgrounds concerned; and

(6) The department had noted the Member’s suggestion of drawing on the examples of Nam Cheong Park and Jordan Valley Park.

54. The Chairman concluded that Members had noted the above paper and were in support of the scheme to open up Tin Ho Road Playground for use as an inclusive park for pets.

Item XII: Report on the performing arts programmes organised by LCSD in Yuen Long District and the usage of (DFMC Paper No. 50/2020) 55. Ms Gloria LAM of the LCSD briefed Members on the paper. She said that in view of the development of the pandemic, the LCSD had suspended outdoor district free entertainment programmes and some of them would be held at indoor venues.

56. The Chairman enquired how long the outdoor district free entertainment programmes would be suspended.

57. Ms LAM of the LCSD responded that outdoor district free entertainment programmes in November and December would be suspended.

58. As regards the arrangement of inviting Members to present a speech at the programmes, the Chairman asked the LCSD to provide information on cancelled activities and notify Members of the activity arrangements through the Secretariat as early as possible.

59. Ms LAM responded that regarding the arrangements for Members’ speech presentation, the LCSD would provide a list of programmes that would possibly be implemented as scheduled.

60. The Chairman concluded that Members had noted the above paper. 25

Item XIII: Schedule of meetings for DFMC in 2021 (DFMC Paper No. 52/2020) 61. The Chairman said that Members unanimously endorsed the schedule of meetings for the DFMC in 2021.

Item XIV: Any other business 62. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:25 p.m.

Yuen Long District Council Secretariat January 2021

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