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

Date: 9 March 2017 (Thursday) Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. Venue: Conference Room, Tai Po District Council Present Time of Arrival Time of Withdrawal

Chairman Mr. CHAN Cho-leung, MH Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Vice-chairman Mr. TANG Ming-tai, Patrick Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Members Mr. AU Chun-wah 9:45 a.m. End of the meeting Mr. CHAN Siu-kuen, MH Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. CHENG Chun-ping, JP 9:40 a.m. 12:15 p.m. Mr. CHENG Chun-wo 9:45 a.m. 10:35 a.m. Mr. CHOW Yuen-wai 9:45 a.m. End of the meeting Mr. KWAN Wing-yip Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Dr. LAU Chee-sing Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. LAU Yung-wai Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. LI Kwok-ying, BBS, MH, JP Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. LI Yiu-ban, BBS, MH, JP Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. LI Wah-kwong, Rex Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. LO Hiu-fung 9:50 a.m. End of the meeting Mr. TAM Wing-fun, Eric 10:20 a.m. End of the meeting Ms. WONG Pik-kiu, BBS, MH, JP Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. WOO Kin-man, Clement Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. YAM Kai-bong, Francis Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. YAM Man-chuen Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Mr. YU Chi-wing, Ken Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting Secretary Mr. NG Chi-kin, Eric

Beginning of the meeting

End of the meeting

Executive Officer (DC)4/Tai Po District Office/Home Affairs Department

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In Attendance Ms. LUI Siu-chu, Andy, JP District Officer (Tai Po), Home Affairs Department Ms. LEE Kai-ying, Iris Assistant District Officer (Tai Po), Home Affairs Department Ms. HEUNG Ching-yee, Alice Chief Leisure Manager(New Territories East), Leisure and

Cultural Services Department Mr. TAM Hung-kong District Leisure Manager (Tai Po), Leisure and Cultural Services

Department Ms. LUI Lok-sze Deputy District Leisure Manager (District Support) (Tai Po),

Leisure and Cultural Services Department Mr. NG Chi-keung, Barry Senior Librarian (Tai Po), Leisure and Cultural Services

Department Mr. CHAN Kam-shing, Eddie Senior Executive Officer (Planning)7, Leisure and Cultural

Services Department Miss LO Wai-yin, Phoenix Executive Officer (Planning)7, Leisure and Cultural Services

Department Ms. LAU So-mui, Rebecca Administrative Assistant/Lands (Atg.), Tai Po District Lands

Office, Lands Department Mr. LEE Yu-sau, Terence Senior Executive Officer (District Council)/Tai Po District Office,

Home Affairs Department Ms. LEUNG Suk-mei, Rebecca Senior Executive Officer (District Management), Tai Po District

Office, Home Affairs Department Mr. CHAN Yiu-kwok Senior Liaison Officer (2), Tai Po District Office, Home Affairs

Department Mr. LAM Man-chung Senior Inspector of Works, Tai Po District Office, Home Affairs

Department Miss YIP Lisa Liaison Officer (7), Tai Po District Office, Home Affairs

Department Absentee The HON CHEUNG Hok-ming, GBS, JP Member Opening remarks

The Chairman welcomed participants to the meeting. 2. The Chairman continued that The HON CHEUNG Hok-ming could not attend this meeting due to other commitments. He had submitted to the Secretariat his application for absence.

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Under Order 51(1) of the Tai Po District Council Standing Orders, the District Facilities Management Committee (“DFMC”) would only give consent to applications for absence from meetings filed on the grounds of sickness, jury service, attendance at another meeting or an activity on behalf of the DC, attendance at a LegCo meeting, attendance at an Executive Council meeting, confinement or paternity leave. Hence, no consent could be given to the application for absence filed by The HON CHEUNG Hok-ming.

I. Confirmation of the minutes of the 1st meeting of the DFMC in 2017 on 12 January (TPDC Paper No. DFM 8/2017) 3. The Chairman reported that neither had the Secretariat received any proposed amendments to the minutes of the last meeting, nor did Members propose any amendments to the said minutes at this meeting. The said minutes were confirmed without amendment.

II. Position of the District Minor Works Funds and Progress Report on the Approved District Minor Works Projects (TPDC Paper No. DFM 9/2017) 4. The Chairman requested that Members note the position of the District Minor Works Funds and the Progress Report on the Approved District Minor Works Projects. He advised that the DFMC currently had an approved project estimate of $80 million, of which $37 million was for 2016/17 and the remaining $43 million for 2017/18 and thereafter. The Chairman continued that it had been resolved at the last DFMC meeting that DMW projects advocated in early years be processed first. Hence, focus of this meeting would be accorded to the handling of DMW projects advocated during the period between 2009/10 and 2012/13 and the 17 projects concerned were listed in Annex 2. 5. The Chairman welcomed Ms. FONG Man-sze, Anny, Architect (Works) 9 of the Home Affairs Department and Ms. HUI Yee-man, Assistant Director of WCWP International Limited to the meeting for the discussion of this item. 6. The Chairman asked the representatives of the term consultant companies (“term consultants”), the Tai Po District Office (“TPDO”) and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (“LCSD”) to report the progress of approved District Minor Works (“DMW”) projects. (A) DMW projects with the term consultant WCWP International Limited as works agent (Items (1) to (5) in Annex 2 to TPDC Paper No. DFM 9/2017) 7. Ms. HUI Yee-man gave supplementary remarks on the following projects:

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(i) Project Item (1) “Provision of a sitting-out area in Lung Mei Village, Ting Kok Road,

Tai Po”: tender exercise of the works pending the official confirmation of the grant of site allocation. The LCSD currently followed up with the Tai Po District Lands Office (“TPDLO”) on the site allocation application concerned.

(ii) Project Item (2) “Construction of Covered Walkway at Tai Wo Road (Outside Tai Po Mega Mall)”: works had already commenced in February 2017 and were expected to complete in July of the same year.

(iii) Project Item (3) “Provision of a sitting-out area at the former Shu Yan School site in Cheung Shue Tan Village”: tenders were currently being vetted and the project was expected to commence in April 2017.

(iv) Project Item (4) “Renovation to the sitting-out area at Nam Wan Road near Kwong Fuk Estate, Tai Po”: works within the construction site had been completed and the first handover would be arranged. The term consultant would continue to follow up with the power company on the progress of connecting permanent electricity supply.

(v) Project Item (5) “Construction of Covered Walkway at On Po Road”: tender would be awarded for the works of which commencement was expected to be in April 2017.

8. Members’ views and enquiries were summed up as follows:

(i) Dr. LAU Chee-sing, who was responsible for following up on Project Item (1) “Provision of a sitting-out area in Lung Mei Village, Ting Kok Road, Tai Po”, hoped that TPDLO would follow up on the alteration to the scope of site allocation.

(ii) Mr. Clement WOO, who was responsible for following up on Project Item (4)“Renovation to the sitting-out area at Nam Wan Road near Kwong Fuk Estate, Tai Po”, advised that works to connect permanent electricity supply should be finished by the next DFMC meeting in May and the sitting-out area would be officially open by then as well. He hoped that the term consultant would then conduct an on-site inspection with him and the project proponent Ms. WONG Pik-kiu again. Besides, he said that floor tiles of a pavement outside the work area had become loose and he hoped departments concerned would follow up on this. Ms. WONG Pik-kiu indicated that she had also mentioned the loosened floor tiles on the said pavement at the meeting of the Working Group on District Works (“WGDW”) earlier but the issue fell beyond the scope of DMW projects. She continued that the construction site of the works concerned had been enclosed for almost a year and many members of the public were forced to use the aforesaid pavement as a result. She pointed out that the pavement had been laid from 1993 to 1994 by the former Regional Council (“RegCo”). Since the dissolution of RegCo, no departments had taken over the

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maintenance of the pavement and some loosened floor tiles had even been taken away. She hoped TPDO would follow up on the issue.

(iii) Mr. Francis YAM, proponent of Project Item (5) “Construction of Covered Walkway at On Po Road”, hoped that the term consultant could provide the updated works plans. He also enquired if there would be any impact on the bus stop, pavement and road traffic nearby when the works site was enclosed.

9. As regards Project Item (5) “Construction of Covered Walkway at On Po Road”, Ms. HUI Yee-man advised that the term consultant would provide to the proponent via TPDO documents related to the updated works plans, among which the temporary traffic arrangements after the works site enclosure were included. The said arrangements had been worked out together with the bus companies. 10. As far as the loosened floor tiles on the section of pavement on Nam Wan Road near Kwong Fuk Estate were concerned, Mr. LAM Man-chung said that upon completion of works at the said road section years ago, the Transport Department (“TD”) had not performed any handover with the department that took over. As a result, it had now become difficult to determine which department was responsible for the management of the said road section. He said that TPDO Works Section would provide assistance as far as possible if the maintenance work concerned was within its ambit. 11. The DFMC endorsed the report by the term consultant. (B) DMW projects with the term consultant Tom Yip & Partners Architects as works agent (Item (6) in Annex 2 to TPDC Paper No. DFM 9/2017) 12. The Chairman welcomed Ms. Cammy CHENG, Assistant Project Officer of Tom Yip & Partners Architects to this part of the meeting 13. Ms. Cammy CHENG gave supplementary remarks on Project Item (6) “Construction of covered walkway connecting the footbridge at Nam Wan Road and the shelter outside Sun Hing Garden” that installation of the cover and electricity works had substantially completed and remedial works were currently underway, which were expected to complete within March 2017. 14. The DFMC endorsed the report by the term consultant. (C) DMW projects followed up by the TPDO Works Section (Items (7) to (12) in Annex 2 to TPDC Paper No. DFM 9/2017) 15. Mr. LAM Man-chung gave supplementary remarks on the following projects:

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(i) Project Item (7) “Improvement works for access road and drainage channel from Au

Tsai to San Wai, Tai Hang”: the Highways Department (“HyD”) was installing elevators at the footbridge near the junction in Au Tsai. The TPDO would roll out the project in due course upon completion of the installation works. The project proponent had requested an on-site inspection so as to get an understanding of the work area and make appropriate revisions. The on-site inspection had yet to be scheduled.

(ii) Project Item (8) “Construction of van track leading to Ha Tei Ha”: apart from being affected by vegetation, the project also involved private ownership and the Works Section failed to obtain consent of the private landowners and progress was slow in the meantime.

(iii) Project Item (9) “Improvement to open space near Tai Hang Village Office at Chung Sum Wai, Tai Hang, Tai Po”: the enclosure of the Drainage Services Department (“DSD”)’s works to construct a pumping station and to lay pipes near the construction site had not yet been removed. At present, the location of the refuse collection point of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (“FEHD”) could not be confirmed yet. The Works Section would conduct an on-site inspection with the project proponent, FEHD and LCSD upon completion of DSD’s works.

(iv) Project Item (10) “Provision of rainshelter along Lam Kam Road at Lam Tsuen, Tai Po”: installation of supporting structure for the cover of the pavement at San Tong, Ping Long, Tai Om and Kau Liu Ha had completed. The works concerned were expected to complete within this March. The Works Section was consulting the HyD and TD on the works to provide benches on the pavement at Chung Uk Tsuen.

(v) Project Item (11) “Provision of rainshelters at Tai Po Kau, Tai Po”: the construction of a rain shelter in Tai Po Mei Village had already completed in February 2017.

(vi) Project Item (12) “Reconstruction of pavilion near public pier at Tap Mun, Sai Kung North, Tai Po”: since the rain shelter involved structural problems, the completed plan of the rain shelter had to be submitted to the HAD for approval.

16. The Vice-chairman, who was responsible for following up on Project Item (7) “Improvement works for access road and drainage channel from Au Tsai to San Wai, Tai Hang”, thanked the Works Section for arranging an on-site inspection. He hoped that the related feasibility study could commence prior to the completion of the elevator installation works such that the project could be taken forward as soon as possible. (D) DMW projects followed up by the TPDO

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(Items (13) to (15) in Annex 2 to TPDC Paper No. DFM 9/2017) 17. Miss Lisa YIP gave supplementary remarks on the following projects:

(i) Project Item (13) “Provision of waiting facilities and motorcycle parking spaces at Chung Nga Road”: the TD had given an interim reply in January 2017 that there would be major traffic arrangements along Chung Nga Road and it would contact the project proponent in relation to the design proposal concerned.

(ii) Project Item (14) “Provision of pavement in Tai Po Tau Road”: due to the lack of a lead department for this project, the proponent had recommended at the meeting of the WGDW on 15 February 2017 that a letter be issued in the name of the DFMC to the Commissioner for Transport, asking the TD to consider acting as the lead department of the project.

(iii) Project Item (15) “Construction of covered walkway connecting the elevator at the footbridge of Uptown Plaza and the entrance of Wan Tau Tong Estate”: the TPDO had enquired of the HAD (Division II) once again if special consideration could be given to this project, and was now consulting the TD and HyD on the layout plans proposed by the said Division.

18. Members’ opinions and questions were summed up as follows:

(i) The Vice-chairman, who was responsible for following up on Project Item (14) “Provision of pavement in Tai Po Tau Road”, raised that several departments were positive towards this project whereas the TD refused to become the lead department. He opined that the TD should not use the data of pedestrian flow’s being inadequate as a reason for not leading roads works in rural areas. Rather, it should give serious consideration to traffic safety of rural residents. He continued that it was to address voters’ aspirations that DC Members proposed the said project, and the objection which the TD had raised was far from well-founded. Mr. CHAN Siu-kuen said that he had visited Tai Po Tau Road with several Members and he was of the view that the TD should lead the project to protect the safety of residents. In addition, he suggested that the local community take initiative to provide the TD data about pedestrian flow and so on. Dr. LAU Chee-sing pointed out that this project faced the same difficulties as those which the project he had advocated, namely“Construction of pavement, lay-bys and cycle track at Tung Tsz Road, Shuen Wan, Tai Po”, encountered. He recommended that the issue be handled with a new mindset to seek a breakthrough for implementing this kind of works.

(ii) Mr. Ken YU, proponent of Project Item (15) “Construction of covered walkway connecting the elevator at the footbridge of Uptown Plaza and the entrance of Wan Tau Tong Estate”, indicated that he would be happy to facilitate the communication

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between departments concerned and the stakeholders. 19. The Chairman recommended that a letter in the name of the DFMC be issued to the Commissioner for Transport to request that the TD consider becoming the lead department of Project Item (14) “Provision of pavement in Tai Po Tau Road”. 20. The DFMC concurred with the Chairman’s recommendation and endorsed the report by the TPDO. (Post-meeting note: The Chairman had already written on behalf of the DFMC to the

Commissioner for Transport on 12 April 2017 to request that the TD consider becoming the lead department of Project Item (14) “Provision of pavement in Tai Po Tau Road”.)

(E) DMW projects followed up by the Tai Po District Leisure Services Office of the LCSD (Item (16) in Annex 2 to TPDC Paper No. DFM 9/2017) 21. Ms. LUI Lok-sze gave supplementary remarks on Project Item (16) “Improvement works for pet garden of Kwong Fuk Park” that the LCSD had discussed with the Architectural Services Department (“ASD”) illumination requirements and various improvement measures proposed respectively in January 2017 and last week. She said the LCSD had already requested the ASD to provide a quotation and was now awaiting the latter’s reply. The works were expected to complete in early 2018. 22. Members’ views and enquiries were summed up as follows:

(i) Ms. WONG Pik-kiu raised that installation of two government elevators at the“Glasses Bridge” near Kwong Fuk Dog Garden would soon complete. She enquired if the Government would restrict the use of those two elevators by pets.

(ii) Mr. KWAN Wing-yip enquired if members of the public could bring pets other than dogs to pet gardens managed by the LCSD. He also asked if dogs entering pet gardens were required to be implanted with a microchip.

(iii) The Vice-chairman advised that dog gardens were supposed to be meant for dogs. If other pets were allowed to use the dog gardens, the hardware of the gardens would need to be modified accordingly. Besides, micro-chipping a dog was to facilitate the tracing of its owner. It was unlikely that the Government would have the resources to check if dogs entering dog gardens had been micro-chipped.

23. Ms. LUI Lok-sze responded as follows:

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(i) the elevators concerned fell beyond LCSD’s purview. She suggested that Members

check with relevant departments.

(ii) there were two pet gardens in Tai Po currently and pets which members of the public brought to the pet gardens were primarily dogs.

(iii) LCSD was not in a position to check if pets which members of the public brought to the pet gardens had been micro-chipped.

24. The DFMC endorsed the report by Tai Po District Leisure Services Office of the LCSD. (F) DMW projects followed up by the Planning Section of the LCSD (Item (17) in Annex 2 to TPDC Paper No. DFM 9/2017) 25. Mr. Eddie CHAN reported in relation to Project Item (17) “Construction of a sitting-out area, children’s playground and pet garden in Nai Chung” that the LCSD had already forwarded in Q4 of 2016 and Q1 of 2017 views of the departments concerned on this project to the term consultant who was currently conducting relevant assessments. 26. Mr. Rex LI, who was responsible for following up on this project, enquired about the progress of the feasibility study. He hoped that the outcome of the study would become available at the DFMC meeting in May. 27. The DFMC endorsed the report by the Planning Section of the LCSD. 28. The Chairman suggested that the DFMC focus on handling at the next meeting in May eight DMW projects that had been advocated in 2013/14 but not yet completed. He said that even though the DFMC could only accord high priorities to certain projects each time, departments concerned would nonetheless spare no effort to follow up on those DMW projects which had not been given high priorities. 29. The DFMC concurred with the Chairman’s suggestion. 30. The Chairman advised that the DFMC would now handle those DMW projects listed in Annex 3 to the Paper. (A) DMW projects with the term consultant WCWP International Limited as works agent (Items (1) and (2) in Annex 3 to TPDC Paper No. DFM 9/2017) 31. Ms. HUI Yee-man gave supplementary remarks on the following projects:

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(i) Project Item (1) “Covered walkway”: application for temporary site allocation at

Emerald Palace had been granted and the works were expected to complete within March 2017.

(ii) Project Item (2) “Provision of Rainshelters on Existing Benches outside Tai Po Hui Market and Cooked Food Centre”: tenders for the rain shelter on Heung Sze Wui Street were currently being vetted by the term consultant and the project was expected to commence in May 2017. The term consultant had already submitted the design of the rain shelter on Wan Tau Street to the ASD of which the structural engineers had no further comments. The term consultant would report to the DFMC on the project’s feasibility report once the ASD confirmed it had no comment in other aspects.

32. Mr. CHAN Siu-kuen, proponent of Project Item (1) “Covered walkway”, thanked the term consultant for the tireless commitment which had made the project’s completion in March 2017 possible. 33. The DFMC endorsed the report by the term consultant. (B) DMW projects with the term consultant Ho & Partners Architects Engineers &

Development Consultants Limited as works agent (Items (3) to (6) in Annex 3 to TPDC Paper No. DFM 9/2017 and TPDC Paper No. DFM

9a/2017) 34. The Chairman welcomed Mr. MOK Wai-kin, Johnny, Director, and Assistant Design Manager Ms. Surin TONG of Ho & Partners Architects Engineers & Development Consultants Limited to this part of the meeting. 35. Mr. Johnny MOK recapped Paper No. DFM 9a/2017 and the feasibility study report of Project Item (4) “Conversion of the open space near Block 10 and 19 of Tai Po Centre, On Pong Road into a children’s playground and elderly sitting-out area” in Annex 3 to Paper No. DFM 9/2017. He then gave the following supplementary remarks:

(i) due to safety considerations, children’s recreational facilities would be placed away from fitness equipment for the elderly.

(ii) a pebble path was provided per the proponent’s request.

(iii) the term consultant had already taken into account the pedestrian flow when designing lighting and illumination. The design concerned would comply with the average lighting level required for leisure and recreational facilities stipulated in the

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guidelines of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (“EMSD”). 36. Mr. KWAN Wing-yip, proponent of Project Item (4) “Conversion of the open space near Block 10 and 19 of Tai Po Centre, On Pong Road into a children’s playground and elderly sitting-out area”, thanked the term consultant, HAD and LCSD for swiftly addressing after last meeting of the Working Group on District Works (“WGDW”) proposals put forward by WGDW Members, which included the provision of a pebble path, segregation of fitness equipment for the elderly from children’s recreational facilities, and improvement of lighting facilities. He and the other two proponents of the project, namely Mr. Francis YAM and Mr. AU Chun-wah, invariably supported the current, modified design and hoped that the project could commence as soon as possible. 37. The DFMC endorsed the feasibility study report of Project Item (4) “Conversion of the open space near Block 10 and 19 of Tai Po Centre, On Pong Road into a children’s playground and elderly sitting-out area”. 38. Mr. Johnny MOK gave supplementary remarks on the following projects:

(i) Project Item (3) “Improvement to the roadside planters and lighting system in Ting Kok Road and Chui Lok Street”: since the works plan put forward by the original proponent had been confirmed infeasible following examination, the incumbent proponent had communicated closely with TPDO and the term consultant, and updated the works plan in August and November 2016. The term consultant had been looking on an ongoing basis into the feasibility of the updated works plan and sought views from relevant departments so as to facilitate a smooth implementation of the project. In February 2017, the term consultant had already met with the incumbent proponent in relation to the confirmed works plan and explained to the latter that various requirements put forward by the HyD would need to be met if the new material was to be used for this project, thus resulting in relatively high costs while the overall effect might not necessarily be significant. After careful consideration, the incumbent proponent informed TPDO that the project would not be carried out.

(ii) Project Item (5) “Construction of Covered Walkway at Nam Wan Road Adjacent to footbridge NF132”: the term consultant was carrying out a feasibility study.

(iii) Project Item (6) “Provision of elderly fitness equipment at the Ting Kok Road outside Ting Nga Court, Tai Po”: the term consultant was carrying out a feasibility study.

39. As regards Project Item (3) “Improvement to the roadside planters and lighting system in Ting Kok Road and Chui Lok Street”, Miss Lisa YIP recommended that the project item be removed

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from subsequent progress summaries since the incumbent proponent had decided not to pursue the project further. Mr. LAU Yung-wai, the incumbent proponent of the project, indicated that he agreed to shelve this project proposal on the grounds that the proposed facilities would incur huge costs while the result would end up to be far from satisfactory. 40. Mr. Francis YAM, proponent of Project Item (5) “Construction of Covered Walkway at Nam Wan Road Adjacent to footbridge NF132”, enquired about the progress of the feasibility study. Mr. Johnny MOK advised that the term consultant would carry out a trial pit at the location where support of the proposed cover would be built. It was hoped that the feasibility study would complete in April 2017. 41. The DFMC endorsed the report by the term consultant. (C) DMW projects followed up by the TPDO Works Section (Items (7) to (41) in Annex 3 to TPDC Paper No. DFM 9/2017) 42. Mr. LAM Man-chung gave supplementary remarks on the following projects:

(i) Project Item (7) “Construction of access road at Kau Lung Hang, Tai Po”: road surfacing works had already completed in March 2017 and connection points and drainage works would be carried out next year.

(ii) Project Item (8) “Provision of signage at the route leading to Ting Kok Coastal Conservation Area, Tai Po”: consultation was being conducted by the Works Section.

(iii) Project Item (9) “Provision of rainshelters at Ma Po Mei, Chai Kek and Ping Long, Lam Tsuen, Tai Po”: the Works Section had already confirmed with the project proponent the new location for the works in Ping Long Village and now applied to the TPDLO for the posting of notices as well as checking the land use. Besides, the Works Section was following up on temporary site allocation applications in relation to works at Chai Kek Village and Ma Po Mei Village.

(iv) Project Item (10) “Replacement of rainshelters cum benches along the cycle track near Nam Wan Road, Tai Po”: works near the artificial turf soccer pitch had already commenced and were expected to complete in May 2017.

(v) Project Item (11) “Improvement to hiking trail from Pinehill Village to Wilson Trail, Tai Po”: works had already completed in late February 2017 and the contractor was carrying out rectification works.

(vi) Project Item (12) “Installation of systematic letter boxes”: works at Pan Chung San Tsuen and Ma Wo Tsuen had already completed, while works in Chung Shun Lane

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were awaiting the confirmation of site by the project proponent. Works at Yuen Leng had commenced in January 2017.

(vii) Project Item (13) “Provision of systematic letter boxes near Serenity Villa & The Wonderland at Tai Po Tau, Tai Po”: works had completed in February 2017 and keys of the letter boxes would be handed over to the local DC Member. Hongkong Post would be invited later to provide postal service.

(viii) Project Item (14) “Refurbishment of facilities under DC Minor Works Programmes (2016/17), Tai Po”: works to refurbish wooden benches at Mid-Tai Po were expected to complete in April 2017. The Works Section had already consulted departments such as the TD, HyD and Hong Kong Police Force (“HKPF”) on the installation of convex mirrors in Nam Wan Road Tunnel near NS88 and received no objection.

(ix) Project Item (15) “Construction of look out point at Ko Lau Wan, Sai Kung North, Tai Po”: works were underway and expected to complete in April 2017.

(x) Project Item (16) “Installation of rainshelters and benches at Sai Sha Road and Pak Tam Road, Sai Kung North, Tai Po”: works were underway and expected to complete in April 2017.

(xi) Project Item (17) “Provision of railing and benches to landscape area at Fo Chun Road, Pak Shek Kok, Tai Po”: tender exercise for the project was expected to take place in March 2017.

(xii) Project Item (18) “Construction of pavilion at Yung Shue O, Sai Kung North, Tai Po”: TPDLO had already granted temporary site allocation. The Works Section had surveyed the slope at the site and planned to apply for funding at the next DFMC meeting.

(xiii) Project Item (19) “Construction of rainshelter cum bench along Lam Tsuen River (Tai Wo Estate Section), Tai Po”: tender exercise for the project was expected to take place in March 2017.

(xiv) Project Item (20) “Improvement of bicycle parking spaces near Tak Nga Court, Tai Po”: the Works Section had already applied to the TPDLO for temporary site allocation.

(xv) Project Item (21) “Improvement to footpath from the pavilion of Kau Lung Hang to Yuen Leng and Tai Wo, Tai Po”: the Civil Engineering and Development Department (“CEDD”) had already completed its cycle track works there and would arrange a handover of the cycle track to departments concerned and representatives of the villages shortly.

(xvi) Project Item (22) “Improvement of footbridge at Ma Kwu Lam, Sai Kung North, Tai Po”: all private landowners affected had given their consent to the project. The Works Section would apply to the TPDLO for temporary site allocation and was currently consulting the WSD and the Planning Department (“PlanD”) on this

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project.

(xvii) Project Item (23) “Construction of paving and benches near Tai Wong Yeh Temple at Yuen Chau Tsai, Tai Po”: the Works Section was drafting the plan and would consult the Antiquities and Monuments Office shortly.

(xviii) Project Item (24) “Construction of rainshelters with benches at Fui Sha Wai , Tai Hang and Tai Po Garden”: the project proponent decided to withdraw his proposal to provide rain shelters with benches at the entrance to Tai Po Garden. There were objections to relevant works at Fui Sha Wai and Tai Hang earlier. The issues were yet to be resolved.

(xix) Project Item (25) “Installation of systematic letter boxes at Tai Hang, Lam Tsuen River, Chung Uk Tsuen, Tap Mun Fishermen's Village and Long Ha Village”: the Works Section now applied for temporary site allocation for the works at Long Ha Village, Ting Kok and posted notices as well as checked the land use in relation to the works at Chung Uk Tsuen. Temporary site allocation for installation of systematic letter boxes at Tap Mun Fishermen's Village had been granted. However, Hongkong Post had advised that no postal service would be provided to the letter boxes at Tap Mun Fishermen's Village and recommended that letters be delivered to the letter box at Wong Shek Pier and then brought to Tap Mun by the village head.

43. Members’ opinions and questions were summed up as follows:

(i) Dr. LAU Chee-sing indicated that he could assist in handling the problems encountered during consultation for Project Item (8) “Provision of signage at the route leading to Ting Kok Coastal Conservation Area, Tai Po”.

(ii) Ms. WONG Pik-kiu, proponent of Project Item (10) “Replacement of rainshelters cum benches along the cycle track near Nam Wan Road, Tai Po”, said that the facility would be handed over to the LCSD for management upon completion. The site was currently overgrown with weeds and infested with mosquitoes. However, tree teams of the LCSD only carried out tree pruning and did not take any other measures. She hoped the departments concerned would step up efforts in weeding and cleansing at the said site in the future. In addition, she raised that a DC Member had mentioned at an earlier meeting of the WGDW that the four benches under one of the bridges at Tai Po Centre should be properly disposed of. She recommended that two of them be kept for members of the public who cycled past the site to take a break, whereas the other two be placed under Po Heung Bridge near Lam Tsuen Public Wong Fook Luen Memorial School to drive away street sleepers occupying the said location. Mr. KWAN Wing-yip said that if the benches under one of the bridges at Tai Po Centre could provide convenience to the public, he would agree to have some of them kept and the remaining benches relocated to other

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suitable places. Mr. AU Chun-wah pointed out that upon completion of the relocation, the benches might make it even more convenient for street sleepers to congregate there. In view of this, he opined that the relocation of benches might not necessarily be effective in driving street sleepers away.

(iii) the Vice-chairman, who was responsible for following up on Project Item (13) “Provision of systematic letter boxes near Serenity Villa & The Wonderland at Tai Po Tau, Tai Po”, enquired if the said letterboxes should be managed by the management committee of Tai Po Tau Tsuen and if the Works Section of TPDO would be responsible for future maintenance and repairs of the letterboxes.

(iv) as regards Project Item (14)“Refurbishment of facilities under DC Minor Works Programmes (2016/17), Tai Po”, Mr. LO Hiu-fung said that some benches provided under DMW projects at Tai Po Market Station and Pan Chung Village were now in need of repair.

(v) the Vice-chairman, who was responsible for following up on Project Item (21) “Improvement to footpath from the pavilion of Kau Lung Hang to Yuen Leng and Tai Wo, Tai Po”, indicated that he spotted a number of places that required follow up and repair while he was inspecting the cycle track at the works site. He hoped that the Works Section of TPDO would conduct an on-site inspection with the CEDD to follow up on the issue.

(vi) regarding Project Item (23) “Construction of paving and benches near Tai Wong Yeh Temple at Yuen Chau Tsai, Tai Po”, Mr. Clement WOO enquired when the Works Section would expect to finish drafting the plan concerned.

44. Mr. LAM Man-chung responded as follows:

(i) Project Item (8) “Provision of signage at the route leading to Ting Kok Coastal Conservation Area, Tai Po”: the Works Section had received a lot of opposing views during the consultation and would seek help from the local District Councillor Dr. LAU Chee-sing to coordinate once it finished collecting and consolidating views from the public.

(ii) Project Item (10) “Replacement of rainshelters cum benches along the cycle track near Nam Wan Road, Tai Po”: the said venue was not managed by the LCSD. The relocation of benches under one of the bridges at Tai Po Centre could be included as one of the items in the coming year’s “Refurbishment of facilities under DC Minor Works Programmes, Tai Po” and commence after inspection by DC Members to confirm the location.

(iii) Project Item (13) “Provision of systematic letter boxes near Serenity Villa & The Wonderland at Tai Po Tau, Tai Po”: the new letterboxes would be managed by TPDC

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and spare keys were available for the letterboxes. The Works Section would be responsible for future repairs and maintenance.

(iv) works to repair those benches at Tai Po Market Station and Pan Chung Village could be included in the coming year’s “Refurbishment of facilities under DC Minor Works Programmes, Tai Po”. In the event that the facilities concerned required urgent repair works, the Works Section would be able to undertake such repair works via other channels.

(v) Project Item (21) “Improvement to footpath from the pavilion of Kau Lung Hang to Yuen Leng and Tai Wo, Tai Po”: CEDD would have to be contacted to fix the problem of water accumulation found at some points of the cycle track. The Works Section would conduct an on-site inspection with the DC Members responsible for following up and the CEDD, and a handover of the cycle track would then be arranged among the departments concerned.

(vi) Project Item (23) “Construction of paving and benches near Tai Wong Yeh Temple at Yuen Chau Tsai, Tai Po”: the plan was expected to complete in April 2017.

45. As regards Project Item (10) “Replacement of rainshelters cum benches along the cycle track near Nam Wan Road, Tai Po”, Ms. LUI Lok-sze advised that the site was not managed by the LCSD and recommended that DC Members contact CEDD, LandsD or HyD for weeding. 46. Miss Lisa YIP gave supplementary remarks on the following projects:

(i) Project Item (26) “Improvement works for Tap Mun Pier”: works had already completed at the end of January 2017. Owing to the ebb and flow of the tides, railings of the pier had been destroyed by a vessel. The CEDD had conducted an on-site inspection with TPDO, the operator of the vessel concerned, the TD and the DC Member responsible for following up with a view to solving the problem. TPDO would relay to the CEDD the decision made following the discussion of the matter at the assembly of Tap Mun villagers on 5 March 2017.

(ii) Project Item (27) “Construction of Covered Walkway at Tai Wo Road westbound (Outside Tai Po Mega Mall)”: TPDO had just received the preliminary design plan from the HAD (Works Section) and would consult the project proponent shortly.

(iii) Project Item (28) “Optimisation of the environment in the vicinity of Plover Cove Garden (from Tai Po Wong Siu Ching Clinic to Sung Tak Wong Kin Sheung Memorial School)”: TPDO would conduct an on-site inspection with the project proponent and LCSD in March 2017.

(iv) Project Item (30) “Improvement to the walkway connecting Jade Plaza and Tai Yuen Estate”: the project proponent had already conducted an on-site inspection. She opined that the roof of the covered walkway should not be taller than the external

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wall of the nearby primary school so as to avoid posing any potential risks. TPDO had already relayed her views to HAD (Works Section) to facilitate the latter’s preparation of the preliminary design. The TD would request that departments concerned continue to follow up on the provision of a passing bay.

(v) Project Item (31) “Construction of pavement, lay-bys and cycle track at Tung Tsz Road, Shuen Wan, Tai Po”: the TD had thus far not replied further in relation to the project, which had no lead department yet. There was no progress in the meantime.

(vi) Project Item (32) “Provision of District Council notice board at the footbridge near Tai Po Mega Mall and Plover Cove Garden”: the WGDW had already earmarked $750,000 for the project and now requested the DFMC to endorse the budget.

(vii) Project Item (33) “Provision of pavement railings, covered walkway and signage at Wan Tau Kok Lane, Tai Po”: TPDO had conducted an on-site inspection with the TD and the project proponent earlier, during which the TD had indicated that provision of pavement railings would not be suitable since the road section concerned was narrow and there was a slope. As regards the widening of the existing covered walkway at the site, the project proponent was of the view that it would be more appropriate to build a covered walkway in the same design as that of the existing one. He recommended that the Works Section of TPDO be entrusted with the works concerned to save construction time and resources. Having examined the case, the Works Section of TPDO considered it infeasible to build a covered walkway in the same design as that of the existing one, and recommended that the project be studied by the term consultant. TPDO would visit the site with the project proponent in March 2017. Besides, TPDO had once again requested the Mass Transit Railway Corporation (“MTRC”) to consider providing signs indicating the direction to MTR stations. Should there be no reply, TPDO would seek assistance from the Hong Kong Tourism Board or ask the Works Section to follow up.

(viii) Project Item (34) “Provision of Jogging Trail and sitting-out area along Lam Tsuen River”: the works comprised two parts, namely, building benches with shelters at suitable locations, and placing potted plants along the works site. TPDO had just received from relevant departments preliminary views on the works and would conduct an on-site inspection with the project proponent and LCSD shortly to identify locations suitable for placing potted plants.

(ix) Project Item (35) “Covered walkway”: TPDO would conduct an on-site inspection with the HAD (Works Section) and the project proponent on 15 March 2017.

(x) Project Item (36) “Provision of rainshelter at Tai Wo Plaza Minibus stop”: TD and relevant departments were being consulted in the meantime and an on-site inspection with the project proponent would be conducted shortly.

(xi) Project Item (37) “Optimisation of Sam Mun Tsai Pier”: TD had not yet replied as to

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whether CEDD would become the works agent of the project.

(xii) Project Item (38) “Construction of rainshelters at San Fu”: the project proponent had already proposed to the Secretariat amendments to the works location and project title. HAD (Works Section) would commence follow-up work such as preliminary design and cost estimation.

(xiii) Project Item (39) “Construction of rainshelters with benches at Chung Nga Road”: DSD advised that there was a drainage reserve area near the works site. TPDO had already forwarded the preliminary design plan prepared by HAD (Works Section) to DSD, now awaiting the latter’s reply.。

(xiv) Project Item (40) “Construction of rainshelter with benches at Fung Yuen Road”: the road section involved was rather narrow and TPDO in the meantime sought preliminary views from relevant departments on the project, which would then be forwarded to HAD (Works Section) for follow-up.

(xv) Project Item (41) “Construction of covered walkway at Plover Cove Road”: TPDO intended to conduct an on-site inspection with LCSD and the project proponent in March 2017.

47. Members’ views and enquiries were summed up as follows:

(i) as regards Project Item (28) “Optimisation of the environment in the vicinity of Plover Cove Garden (from Tai Po Wong Siu Ching Clinic to Sung Tak Wong Kin Sheung Memorial School)”, Mr. AU Chun-wah raised that since the works site was located within his constituency, he hoped that he would be updated on the latest progress after TPDO had an on-site inspection with the project proponent and the LCSD.

(ii) Dr. LAU Chee-sing, proponent of Project Item (31) “Construction of pavement, lay-bys and cycle track at Tung Tsz Road, Shuen Wan, Tai Po”, hoped that this request would be included in the letter when DFMC wrote to the TD. The Vice-chairman concurred with the said suggestion since the works, just like the item (14) of annex 2 “Provision of pavement in Tai Po Tau Road”, were related to the way how TD handled rural roads.

(Post-meeting note: The Chairman had already written on behalf of the DFMC on 12 April 2017 to the Commissioner for Transport to request that the TD consider becoming the lead department of Project Item (31) “Construction of pavement, lay-bys and cycle track at Tung Tsz Road, Shuen Wan, Tai Po”.)

(iii) regarding Project Item (32) “Provision of District Council notice board at the footbridge near Tai Po Mega Mall and Plover Cove Garden”, Mr. AU Chun-wah enquired why the works to provide notice boards would cost as much as $750,000.

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(iv) Ms. WONG Pik-kiu, proponent of Project Item (33) “Provision of pavement railings, covered walkway and signage at Wan Tau Kok Lane, Tai Po”, expressed her disappointment about the lack of progress thus far with the works to provide pavement railings since the project had first been advocated. She said that the reason why she put forward the proposal was to address the request of teachers, students and their parents of the secondary school nearby. She pointed out that there were often large vehicles using the said road section and many visitors came to the nearby Green Hub, it was hence necessary to install pavement railings to ensure the safety of pedestrians. She continued that the said road section had no double yellow lines. Despite its being very narrow, there were nevertheless onstreet parking spaces and parking meters while departments concerned had taken no stringent measures to combat illegal parking at the site. She did not accept the TD’s saying that provision of pavement railings was not suitable at the said road section given its being too narrow. She opined that the TD had the obligation to widen the road at Wan Tau Kok Lane and stated that she would keep fighting for the implementation of the project until a solution was worked out to tackle the traffic problem there. The Vice-chairman advised that a secondary school near the said site deployed its staff members to assist in directing traffic after school each day to ensure the safety of the students. He pointed out that since a certain distance was required between the pavement kerb and the proposed pavement railings, he recommended that the pavement be widened towards the hillside. Mr. LI Yiu-ban said that the existing cover of the pavement at the site was a project item advocated by the DC when he had been the Chairman of the Environment, Housing and Works Committee years ago. The cover that had been advocated back then was longer than the existing one. However, it had been built into the current length in the end also for the same reason that the pavement was too narrow.

(v) the Vice-chairman, proponent of Project Item (40) “Construction of rainshelter with benches at Fung Yuen Road”, said that more and more people live in the vicinity of Fung Yuen, it was therefore necessary to construct a rain shelter with benches. He hoped that TPDO would provide the underground facilities and drainage plans of the location concerned for his reference.

(vi) regarding Project Item (41) “Construction of covered walkway at Plover Cove Road”, Mr. AU Chun-wah indicated that he was a member of the Alumni Association of Sung Tak Wong Kin Sheung Memorial School and the principal of the school had reservation about the proposal to construct a covered walkway outside the school. He hoped that the parties concerned would sufficiently consult the stakeholders on this project. Ms. WONG Pik-kiu, proponent of this project, advised that she had already consulted the principal of Sung Tak Wong Kin Sheung Memorial School about a year ago during the initial stage when she had advocated the project. Since the principal of the said school considered the proposal not suitable, she had hoped to

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amend the proposed project to build a covered walkway for the section of Plover Cove Road from Plover Cove Garden to The Golden Gate instead. She indicated that she would update the details about the project item and works area after an on-site inspection with departments concerned.

48. The Chairman said that he would have a separate discussion with the Vice-chairman, proponents of the projects and departments concerned with a view to identifying a solution for Project Item (14) in the aforementioned Annex 2 and Project Items (31) and (33) in Annex 3. 49. Miss Lisa YIP responded as follows:

(i) Project Item (28) “Optimisation of the environment in the vicinity of Plover Cove Garden (from Tai Po Wong Siu Ching Clinic to Sung Tak Wong Kin Sheung Memorial School)”: TPDO would update Mr. AU Chun-wah on the latest development of the project.

(ii) Project Item (32) “Provision of District Council notice board at the footbridge near Tai Po Mega Mall and Plover Cove Garden”: the proposed notice board was several times larger in size than those which the Works Section of TPDO usually made, with a length probably comparable to that of a coach, the Works Section of TPDO had indicated that it was not in a position to undertake the said project which would need to be followed up by the HAD (Works Section). TPDO would provide the DFMC related details including the dimensions of the notice board’s preliminary design after the meeting.

(iii) Project Item (40) “Construction of rainshelter with benches at Fung Yuen Road”: TPDO would provide the project proponent underground facilities and drainage plans of the location concerned.

(iv) Project Item (41) “Construction of covered walkway at Plover Cove Road”: TPDO would have an on-site inspection again with the project proponent to ascertain the works location.

50. As far as Project Item (32) “Provision of District Council notice board at the footbridge near Tai Po Mega Mall and Plover Cove Garden” was concerned, Mr. AU Chun-wah was of the view that TPDC was not supposed to have many events which would require publicity on such a huge notice board. He worried that it would be difficult to explain to the public the justification for constructing a notice board at such substantial costs. 51. Mr. YAM Man-chuen agreed that the construction cost of the proposed notice board was too high. He requested that details of the project be provided to the DFMC first before any decision was made as to whether to endorse the estimated cost or not.

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52. Miss Lisa YIP advised that HAD (Works Section) would work on the preliminary design of the notice board in accordance with the proponent’s request and estimate the construction cost of the project. TPDO would provide the DFMC related details after the meeting. 53. Mr. LAU Yung-wai enquired if the notice board was an electronic one or conventional one. He opined that if it was not an electronic notice board, the construction cost of $750,000 would be too high and arouse public query. 54. The Vice-chairman raised that DFMC should vet the estimated construction cost in accordance with the dimensions and design of the notice board. Without an estimate, it would be difficult to proceed to the detailed design. He pointed out that the proposed notice board was intended for the DC to connect with the community and should be available for use by all DC Members. He continued that the footbridge of Tai Po Centre was a location with heavy pedestrian flow and a larger notice board could achieve better effect. He gave an example that the DC could in the future use the said notice board to display festival greetings which would in a long run cost less than allocating funding each year for temporary lighting decorations for festivals. 55. Miss Lisa YIP advised that the proposed notice board was a conventional one with side hinged doors. Once the fund allocation was endorsed, HAD (Works Section) would commission a term consultant to be the works agent of this project to undertake the detailed design. Upon completion of the project, reference could be taken from the play arrangement of the LED screen in Tai Po Community Centre for the content of the notice board. 56. Mr. AU Chun-wah opined that the proposed notice board should – just like other existing DC notice boards – be used to display information and publicity posters of the DC only instead of newsletters of DC Members. 57. Mr. YAM Man-chuen said that putting up a huge notice board on the bridge would have an adverse visual impact. He opined that the dimensions and location of the notice board should be confirmed first, and then DFMC would decide whether or not to endorse the estimated cost of the project. 58. Mr. LI Yiu-ban enquired which party would be responsible for managing the notice board in the future. He was of the view that if the notice board was covered with bills and posters illegally displayed as a result of poor management, the image of the DC would suffer. He also said that an electronic notice board would achieve better publicity effect than conventional ones. 59. Mr. Eric TAM said that as the proponent of Project Item (32) “Provision of District Council notice board at the footbridge near Tai Po Mega Mall and Plover Cove Garden”, he wished to publicise activities sponsored or co-organised by TPDC by making use of the said notice board at a location with heavy pedestrian flow in the district. Publicity measures should not be limited to

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posters, but could also include the display of promotional materials or small banners. He continued that he had checked with HAD (Works Section) before the meeting and learned that the proposed notice board was not as big as a coach. He agreed to have the design concerned forwarded for Members’ reference by TPDO. He pointed out that he had reflected to HAD that the construction cost of $750,000 was on the high side. HAD, however, had indicated that a notice board to be installed on a bridge had to be very sturdy and be able to withstand typhoons. As such, the construction cost would be higher than that of average notice boards. He said that Members could vet the budget concerned later if they thought they could not decide whether or not to endorse the estimated cost at the moment. 60. Ms. WONG Pik-kiu raised that it was for the welfare of all residents of Tai Po as a whole that Mr. Eric TAM had chosen to advocate a DMW project beyond his own constituency. She said that there were currently not many channels for DC Members to display their promotional materials, which had a direct impact on the number of participants in activities. Therefore, it was necessary to increase notice boards for activities in the district. She concurred that Members should first refer to details concerned before deciding whether or not to endorse the estimated cost of the project. 61. Mr. YAM Man-chuen said that the proposed notice board was related to promotion and publicity work of TPDC. He recommended that the matter be entrusted to the Working Group on Promotion and Publicity under the Agriculture, Fisheries, Commerce, Industries, Tourism and Recreation Affairs Committee. 62. Dr. LAU Chee-sing opined that in addition to providing the dimensions of the said notice board, TPDO might also furnish other information in connection with the construction cost. 63. Mr. AU Chun-wah said that the project was within his constituency and the proponent Mr. Eric TAM had sought his views. As far as he had understood, the dimensions of the proposed notice board at that time had not been as big as they were now proposed. He agreed that the DFMC could vet the estimated construction cost at a later date. In addition, he opined that the location and future management issues (for instance, which party was responsible for changing the content displayed on the notice board) of the proposed notice board would also warrant attention. 64. The Chairman advised that the DFMC would vet the estimated construction cost in question after TPDO’s submission of supplementary information regarding Project Item (32) “Provision of District Council notice board at the footbridge near Tai Po Mega Mall and Plover Cove Garden”. 65. The DFMC endorsed the report by the TPDO. (D) DMW projects followed up by the Tai Po District Leisure Services Office of the LCSD

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(Items (42) to (51) in Annex 3 to TPDC Paper No. DFM 9/2017) 66. Ms. LUI Lok-sze gave supplementary remarks on the following projects:

(i) Project Item (42) “Provision of arbours with covers for seating benches at Yuen Shin Park”: now awaiting ASD’s comments on the project layout.

(ii) Project Item (43) “Provision of fitness equipments at Yuen Shin Park”: the Technical Unit of LCSD had conducted an on-site inspection on 21 February 2017 to explore the feasibility of the project. LCSD would also invite the ASD to examine the viability of constructing benches with cover as well as arbours.

(iii) Project Item (44) “Provision of leisure facilities at Chui Lok Street Garden”: the Technical Unit of LCSD had conducted an on-site inspection on 21 February 2017 and forwarded relevant details to the ASD to study the feasibility of provision of additional recreational facilities for children and expansion of those existing ones for the elderly by site formation.

(iv) Project Item (45) “Provision of sink and rainshelter at Tai Ming Lane Square, Tai Po”: now awaiting the ASD’s reply regarding the viability of building a cover on the stage. The LandsD had replied to the LCSD that requirements of the former had to be met if a cover was to be built on the stage. As regards the proposal to provide a sink at the venue, the LCSD did not recommend that a sink be provided at Tai Ming Lane Square since there were already public toilets in the nearby Tai Po Complex and given the venue’s location in the town centre, the provision of a sink would be likely to make the floor wet and slippery.

(v) Project Item (46) “Beautification works for the roadside planters outside Fu Heng Estate”: the WGDW under DFMC had endorsed a planting quotation of $33,000 at its meeting on 15 February 2017. Once the said quotation was endorsed by DFMC, LCSD would follow up on the above planting proposal.

(vi) Project Item (47) “Beautification works (2016/17)”: as regards beautification works for Chinese New Year, the LCSD had already planted seasonal flowers at various locations in Tai Po to enhance the festive atmosphere. The LCSD would continue to plant shrubs at various locations in the district at and during traditional festivals, events and celebrations so as to prevent waste generation at source.

(vii) Project Item (48) “Reserve fund for provision of urgent and minor improvement works for leisure venues in Tai Po District or responsibility under LCSD’s purview (2016/17)”: the items concerned were expected to complete at the end of March 2017.

(viii) Project Item (49) “Improvement works for lighting system at various venues under Tai Po District Leisure Services Office’s purview”: improvement works for lighting systems at Wan Tau Kok Playground and Kwong Fuk Football Ground had already

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completed in January 2017, while those at Nam Wan Road Sitting-out Area and Tin Hau Temple Fung Shui Square were expected to complete within this financial year.

(ix) Project Item (50) “Improvement works for filtration system at Tai Po Swimming Pool”: works had already completed at the end of February 2017.

(x) Project Item (51) “Improvement works for chiller system at Fu Heng Sports Centre”: works were expected to complete within this financial year.

67. Members’ views and enquiries were summed up as follows:

(i) Mr. LAU Yung-wai, proponent of Project Item (44) “Provision of leisure facilities at Chui Lok Street Garden”, hoped that he would be notified of any future on-site inspections by the LCSD and ASD such that he could join in.

(ii) Mr. LI Kwok-ying, proponent of Project Item (45) “Provision of sink and rainshelter at Tai Ming Lane Square, Tai Po”, indicated that many parents had relayed to him their request that a sink be provided at Tai Ming Lane Square so that their children could wash their hands after playing there, which would be much more convenient than doing so in Tai Po Complex. He was of the view that water should be able to be absorbed by the floor of Tai Ming Lane Square, which would not become too wet and slippery as a result of the provision of a sink. He also enquired when the result of the feasibility study for the construction of a cover on the stage would become available.

(iii) Mr. CHENG Chun-ping said in connection with Project Item (47) “Beautification works (2016/17)” that planting species of seasonal flowers with a longer blooming period would have a more pleasant effect.

68. Ms. LUI Lok-sze noted Members’ views and gave the following supplementary remarks:

(i) Project Item (44) “Provision of leisure facilities at Chui Lok Street Garden”: LCSD, its Technical Unit and the ASD conducted on-site inspections from time to time and LCSD in general would invite the proponents to join only those on-site inspections of larger scale. Proponents would also be invited to take part in on-site inspections of smaller scale if they so requested.

(ii) Project Item (45) “Provision of sink and rainshelter at Tai Ming Lane Square, Tai Po”: LCSD was currently consulting the ASD on the preliminary design plans. Pursuant to the requirements of LandsD, the size of a cover to be built at a venue should not exceed 5% of the total area of the venue. As the size of the existing cover was estimated to be more than 2-3% of the venue’s total area, it might not necessarily be feasible to build a larger cover. The LCSD was now awaiting the ASD’s reply.

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69. The Chairman reported that the estimated construction cost for Project Item (46) “Beautification works for the roadside planters outside Fu Heng Estate” was $ 33,000. 70. Members raised no objections. The Chairman announced that the said estimated construction cost had been endorsed. 71. The DFMC endorsed the report by the Tai Po District Leisure Services Office of the LCSD. (E) DMW projects followed up by the Planning Section of the LCSD (Items (52) to (60) in Annex 3 to TPDC Paper No. DFM 9/2017) 72. Mr. Eddie CHAN gave supplementary remarks on the following projects:

(i) Project Item (52) “Provision of a sitting-out area in CARE Village”: LCSD, the term consultant, HAD (Works Section), MTRC and the project proponent would conduct an on-site inspection on 13 March 2017 to ascertain the project content.

(ii) Project (53) “Provision of tourists facilities at the route leading to Plover Cove, Tai Po”: the LCSD had already forwarded in Q4 of 2016 and Q1 of 2017 views of the departments concerned on this project to HAD (Works Section) for assessment.

(iii) Project (54) “Provision of benches and removal of railings in the sitting-out area near the staircase leading up to the Railway Museum”: visitor signage near the entrance to the Railway Museum would be retained at the original spot. ASD was in the meantime revising the original design and would consult the proponent and personnel of the Railway Museum shortly.

(iv) Project Item (55) “Optimisation of the open space in San Wa On Lane, Tai Po Tau”: the term consultant currently followed up on the assessment of the latest project content.

(v) Project Item (56) “Provision of a sitting-out area in San Uk Tsai, Lam Tsuen, Tai Po”: LCSD had in early March 2017 received from HAD (Works Section) the preliminary assessment of the project on which it would consult the proponent shortly to ascertain the project content.

(vi) Project Item (57) “Provision of Sitting-Out Area outside Tai Po Sports Ground, Tai Po”: HAD (Works Section) and the term consultant had already carried out an initial assessment on the project outline and construction cost, and had preliminarily estimated the project cost to be approximately $9.86 million. The WGDW had endorsed the said estimated cost at its meeting on 15 February 2017 and applied to DFMC for a funding allocation of $9.86 million in the meantime.

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(vii) Project Item (58) “Provision of Sitting-Out Area at Po Sam Pai Tsuen, Tai Po”: LCSD would arrange for an on-site inspection for the term consultant, HAD (Works Section), TPDO and the project proponent to discuss the project content.

(viii) Project Item (59) “Provision of children leisure facilities and elderly fitness facilities at Tseng Tau Tsuen”: LCSD currently followed up on the assessment of the project content.

(ix) Project Item (60) “Provision of fitness and elderly leisure facilities at Wan Tau Tong”: LCSD currently followed up on the assessment of the project content.

73. Mr. Ken YU, proponent of Project Item (60) “Provision of fitness and elderly leisure facilities at Wan Tau Tong”, hoped that LCSD would maintain close communication with him regarding the latest progress of the project. Mr. Eddie CHAN noted the views of Mr. Ken YU and would keep the proponent posted on the latest progress of the project. 74. The Chairman reported that the estimated construction cost for Project Item (57) “Provision of Sitting-Out Area outside Tai Po Sports Ground, Tai Po” was $ 9.86 million. 75. Members raised no objections. The Chairman announced that the said estimated construction cost had been endorsed. 76. The DFMC endorsed the report by the Planning Section of the LCSD.

III. Development of a golf course at a closed landfill in Shuen Wan (TPDC Paper No. DFM 10/2017)

77. The Chairman welcomed Mr. AU Wai-kwong, Elvis, Assistant Director and Mr. FOK Chi-man, Richard, Senior Environmental Protection Officer of the Environmental Protection Department (“EPD”) to the meeting for the discussion of this item. 78. Mr. Elvis AU recapped Paper No. DFM 10/2017. 79. Mr. CHENG Chun-ping said that the development of a golf course at a closed landfill in Shuen Wan had been advocated and discussed for over a decade and he hoped that the project could be implemented as quickly as possible. He enquired about the land use of the closed landfill in Shuen Wan after the non-in-situ land exchange had been proposed in the Chief Executive’s 2017 Policy Address. He continued that he would welcome a land exchange if the site at Shuen Wan would still be used for the development of a golf course after the land exchange. However, he said he had heard that the site in question might be used to build a columbarium. He reiterated that he opposed any use of the site other than the development of a golf course after the land exchange.

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80. Dr. LAU Chee-sing pointed out that the area of the closed landfill in Shuen Wan was significantly larger than that of the private land in Sha Lo Tung, he enquired how much land within Shuen Wan Landfill would be used to exchange for the private land in Sha Lo Tung, and whether or not the remaining land in Shuen Wan Landfill that had not been used for land exchange would continue to be used for the development of a golf course. 81. Mr. Elvis AU advised that among those land exchange proposals which the Government had so far received, there were some suggesting the development of a golf course at the closed landfill in Shuen Wan. Since departments concerned were studying the proposals at present and negotiating with landowners, no report could be made at this meeting. The EPD would report to the DFMC once there was any progress. 82. The Chairman enquired how long the said study and negotiation would take. 83. Mr. Elvis AU advised that “actively consider” had been the wordings used in this connection in the Policy Address, thus reflecting the great importance the Government had attached to the project. The Government had received the proposals submitted by landowners not long ago and departments concerned were comprehensively reviewing the said proposals in the meantime. Therefore, no specific timetable had been devised so far. Since numerous complicated issues were involved, such as whether or not the proposals were viable or appropriate, land use, area involved and so on, details were still being discussed. Nonetheless, departments concerned would actively, comprehensively and promptly handle this case and report to the DC in due course. 84. Mr. CHENG Chun-ping hoped that the EPD would actively follow up on the related work and revert to the DC as soon as practicable. 85. Dr. LAU Chee-sing enquired if it would mean that the DC’s request for over a decade that a golf course be developed at the closed landfill in Shuen Wan would be scrapped after land exchange had been proposed in the Policy Address. He also asked if the site at Shuen Wan Landfill would still be used for the development of a golf course after the land exchange, or for building a columbarium or small houses. He pointed out that landfills were made by piling and burying garbage and trash, therefore not suitable for structures to be built on them. 86. Mr. Francis YAM was concerned if land use of Shuen Wan Landfill would change after the land exchange. He hoped that TPDLO, EPD and TPDO would follow up on the issue. 87. Mr. LAU Yung-wai indicated that after checking relevant information, he had learned that part of the land at Sha Lo Tung had initially been intended for building a columbarium. He recommended that relevant departments include a clause during land exchange to require that persons concerned operate a golf course at Shuen Wan Landfill. If the said recommendation was

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not feasible, he suggested that departments concerned identify another site elsewhere in Tai Po district for building a golf course. 88. Mr. LI Yiu-ban welcomed the Government’s adoption of non-in-situ land exchange for the purpose of its conservation policy, but worried that the said policy put forward in the Policy Address would be pursued in a too hasty manner that the Government might not be able to reach agreement with relevant landowners. He said that piling works could not be carried out in landfills or the underground liner would be damaged, hence, relevant restrictions should be stipulated in the terms and conditions of the land exchange. He was also concerned that even if Shuen Wan Landfill would still be used for the development of a golf course after the land exchange, the public golf course would become privately run and members of the public might need to pay higher fees for using the facilities. He hoped that while adopting non-in-situ land exchange for the purpose of its conservation policy, the Government would make sure that the use of the land being exchanged would remain unchanged. 89. The Vice-chairman put forward the following views and enquiries:

(i) was the site of Shuen Wan Landfill be divided into two parts, one being used for non-in-situ land exchange while the other for the development of a golf course?

(ii) Sha Lo Tung was located in his constituency and residents of Sha Lo Tung were happy to negotiate land exchange with the Government. Since the negotiation was still at its initial stage and private property rights and interest were involved, in-depth discussion might therefore not necessarily be appropriate at the moment.

(iii) construction of multi-storey buildings was not allowed on land at landfills. If the Government would allow simple bungalows to be built on land at landfills after land exchange, it should give priority to the interests of the residents as far as possible when drawing up related terms and conditions.

(iv) the Government should carry out sufficient consultation, with Tai Po Rural Committee in particular, on the land exchange issue.

90. Dr. LAU Chee-sing indicated that he welcomed the Government’s adoption of non-in-situ land exchange for the purpose of its conservation policy, but the site of Shuen Wan Landfill involved in the exchange had been intended for the development of a golf course and the said proposal had been studied for over a decade and had once even come close to tender invitation a couple of years ago. The proposal raised in the Policy Address had, however, brought forth additional uncertainties. He opined that using other land elsewhere instead of the site of Shuen Wan Landfill for non-in-situ land exchange could minimise controversies and abate residents’ discontent. 91. Mr. Elvis AU responded as follows:

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(i) land use of Shuen Wan Landfill was subject to clear and stringent regulations,

including the Town Planning Ordinance, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Ordinance and land lease conditions.

(ii) EPD understood that the public and Members very much looked forward to the completion of the golf course at Shuen Wan Landfill and would also take this factor into account when negotiating with the Sha Lo Tung landowners.

(iii) among those land exchange proposals received so far, there were some suggesting the development of a golf course at the closed landfill in Shuen Wan.

(iv) discussion with Sha Lo Tung landowners involved various aspects such as feasibility, planning considerations, environmental factors, technical practicability, terms and conditions of the land exchange, regulations imposed on the use of facilities by the public in the future and so on. During the process of scrutiny, departments concerned would adequately consider Members’ views and conduct detailed discussion with relevant parties. Given the complexity of the discussions which would require considerable time, the EPD would report to the DFMC as soon as possible once there was any progress.

92. Mr. LI Yu-ban hoped that the Government would consider using “potential sites” in place of the site of Shuen Wan Landfill to exchange for land at Sha Lo Tung and retaining Shuen Wan Landfill for development of a golf course. 93. The Chairman hoped that the EPD would report to DFMC as soon as there was any progress.

IV. Reports of working groups (I) Working Group on District Works 94. Mr. Patrick TANG, Chairman of the Working Group on District Works (“WGDW”), reported as follows: the WGDW held its first meeting of this year on 15 February 2017, at which it followed up on the progress of DMW projects that had been approved and endorsed the estimated costs for the following three projects:

– Project Item (32): “Provision of District Council notice board at the footbridge near Tai Po Mega Mall and Plover Cove Garden”

(Estimated construction cost: $750,000)

– Project Item (46): “Beautification works for the roadside planters outside Fu Heng Estate”

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(Estimated construction cost: $33,000)

– Project Item (57): “Provision of Sitting-Out Area outside Tai Po Sports Ground, Tai Po”

(Estimated construction cost: $9.86 million) In addition, WGDW endorsed the feasibility study report of TP-DMW 195“Conversion of the open space near Block 10 and 19 of Tai Po Centre, On Pong Road into a children’s playground and elderly sitting-out area” at the meeting. Details of the WGDW’s discussion of each project could be found in the Paper and Annex of Agenda Item II. (II) Working Group on Facilities Management 95. Dr. LAU Chee-sing, Chairman of the Working Group on Facilities Management (“WGFM”), reported as follows: WGFM held its first meeting of this year on 15 February 2017. The WGFM noted the report by the TPDO on the management of community centre/community halls from December 2016 to January 2017 and the report by the LCSD on the management of local facilities under its charge in November and December 2016. 96. The DFMC endorsed the reports by the two Working Groups.

V. Any other business (I) Submission of District Minor Works project proposals 2017/18 97. The Chairman reported that the DFMC would soon accept DMW project proposals 2017/18 submitted by Members. 98. Ms. Iris LEE said that the procedures for submitting DMW project proposals in 2017/18 were similar to the arrangements of last year, which she recapped as follows:

(i) each TPDC Member could be the major proponent of up to two DMW project proposals, i.e., one “first-choice proposal” and one “back-up proposal”. The “first-choice proposal”, once approved by DFMC, would be forwarded to the lead department or term consultant for feasibility study.

(ii) DC Members were advised to submit “back-up proposals” such that once the“first-choice proposals” were shelved, they could immediately be replaced by the former and be forwarded to relevant departments for follow-up as soon as practicable.

(iii) if a project proposal was put forward by more than one DC Member, one of the

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Members should become the “principal proponent” while others would be “other proponents”.

(iv) if a proposed project was not located within the proponent’s constituency, he must seek the consent of the local District Councillor before submitting the project proposal.

(v) proposals concerning the provision of the same kind of facility (e.g. rain shelters) at multiple locations should adhere to the principle of either project estimates’ being no more than $2 million or project locations no more than four.

(vi) the Secretariat would write to Members shortly to summarise the arrangements for submitting DMW project proposals in 2017/18.

(vii) the TPDO would conduct a preliminary assessment on the proposals and refer them according to their nature to the relevant TPDC Committees for deliberation and recommendation at their respective meetings in May 2017. The WGDW would at its meeting in June 2017 consider the recommendations and sort out their preliminary priorities for the consideration of the DFMC at its meeting in July 2017.

(viii) if both“first-choice proposal” and “back-up proposal” submitted by a DC Member in the year were shelved, he might submit a replacement proposal within his four-year term of office.

(ix) DC Members who encountered any problems while preparing DMW project proposals were welcome to contact TPDO prior to submission of proposals.

99. Members noted the above arrangements. (Post-meeting note: The Secretariat had already written to Members on 10 March 2017 as regards

the arrangements for submitting DMW project proposals in 2017/18.)

VI. Date of next meeting 100. The next meeting would be held at 9:30 a.m. on 11 May 2017 (Thursday). 101. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:20 p.m.

Tai Po District Council Secretariat April 2017