Minutes of the 2nd Meeting of the Leisure and District ... · the Leisure and District Facilities Management Committee ... He pointed out that the general service life of ... contractor

Minutes of the 2nd Meeting of

the Leisure and District Facilities Management Committee

of the Kowloon City District Council

Date: 18 February 2016 (Thursday)

Time: 2:30 p.m.

Venue: Conference Room, Kowloon City District Office

Present:

Chairman: Ir CHEUNG Yan-hong, MH

Vice-chairman: Miss LEUNG Yuen-ting

Members: Dr KWONG Po-yin

Mr HO Hin-ming, MH

Mr CHO Wui-hung

Mr NG Fan-kam, Tony

Mr LO Chiu-kit (Arrived at 3:05 p.m.)

Mr TING Kin-wa

Mr LAM Tak-shing

Mr LAM Pok, Jimmy

Mr YEUNG Chun-yu, Ronald

Mr HE Huahan

Mr YANG Wing-kit

Mr KWAN Ho-yeung, Roger

Mr LAI Kwong-wai

The Hon LEE Wai-king, Starry, JP (Left at 3:53 p.m.)

Mr SIU Leong-sing

Mr LUK King-kwong (Left at 3:30 p.m.)

Mr PUN Kwok-wah (Arrived at 3:00 p.m.)

Secretary: Miss CHONG Pik-yu, Vivian Executive Officer (District Council) 3,

Kowloon City District Office

Absent: Ir Dr CHENG Lee-ming

Mr YUE Chee-wing, Admond

Mr SIU Tin-hung, Terence

Mr NG Po-keung

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In Attendance: Ms CHIU Kam-chun, Jamie Senior Liaison Officer (Special Duties

& Ho Man Tin), Kowloon City District

Office

Ms KWOK Lai-kuen, Eva Senior Executive Officer (District

Management), Kowloon City District

Office

Mr YU Man-chun, Jeff Executive Officer I (District


Office

Mr WONG Yik-ho, Vico Executive Officer (District


Office

Miss TANG Man-wah, Sylvia Chief Leisure Manager (Kowloon),

Leisure and Cultural Services

Department

Ms LO Lai-fong, Jackie District Leisure Manager (Kowloon

City), Leisure and Cultural Services

Department

Ms TONG Tak-yan, Amy Deputy District Leisure Manager

(District Support) Kowloon City,


Department

Mr LEE Pao-wan Deputy District Leisure Manager

(Kowloon City)2, Leisure and Cultural

Services Department

Mr CHEUNG Kwok-wai, Alex Senior Manager (Kowloon

West/Cultural Services), Leisure and

Cultural Services Department

Ms LAU Siu-mui, Lily Manager (Kowloon West) Marketing,

Programme & District Activities,


Department

Mr LO Hing-kwan Senior Librarian (Kowloon City),


Department

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* * * * *

The Chairman of the Leisure and District Facilities Management

Committee (LDFMC) welcomed Members and representatives of government

departments to the meeting. He said that the Secretariat had received notices from Ir

Dr CHENG Lee-ming, Mr Terence SIU and Mr Admond YUE of their absence due to

other commitments before the meeting. In addition, he welcomed Mr LO

Hing-kwan, who acted as Senior Librarian (Kowloon City) of the Leisure and

Cultural Services Department (LCSD) in place of Miss KONG Mei-yi. Prior to

discussion of agenda items, he reminded Members that if the matters to be discussed

gave rise to conflict of interest with their property rights, profession or investment,

they should make a declaration prior to the discussion so that the Chairman would

consider if it was necessary to ask the Members concerned to exit from the meeting

during the discussion or voting.

District Minor Works (DMW) Projects

Minor Improvement Works for the Recreation Areas under the LCSD in 2016/17

(Paper No. 04/16)

2. Miss Sylvia TANG, Chief Leisure Manager (Kowloon) of the LCSD

introduced the Paper.

3. Mr LUK King-kwong said that he supported approving the relevant

funding application. He pointed out that the general service life of hypochlorite

generation electrolytic tanks was approximately five years, so he enquired why the

LCSD did not replace the two sets of electrolytic tanks at Ho Man Tin Swimming

Pool until they were used for more than eight years.

4. Mr HO Hin-ming enquired how the LCSD would deal with the disused

parts resulted from the replacement of components.

5. Miss Sylvia TANG of the LCSD made the following consolidated reply:

(i) the LCSD had always been concerned over the hygiene of

swimming pools under the LCSD. The service life of five years

for electrolytic tanks had been a consistent reference indicator, and

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the option adopted would depend on the actual conditions. If the

replacement of parts could enable the facilities to continue

operation, the LCSD would usually choose to replace parts. If

parts were not available because manufacturers ceased to produce

relevant parts, or if facilities were damaged beyond repair, the

LCSD would purchase new hypochlorite generation electrolytic

tanks to replace those damaged; and

(ii) the LCSD would report to the Committee after consulting the

Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) on the

disposal of the disused parts.

(Post-meeting note: In response, the LCSD said that the EMSD would arrange the

project contractor to deliver the removed parts to a recyclable waste collector for

disposal.)

6. After discussion, the Committee approved the following proposed district

minor improvement works projects and funding:

Name of Project Estimated

Expenditure

1. Emergency repair, replacement or minor improvement works for

the recreation areas under the LCSD in 2016/17

$1,100,000

2. Replacement and upgrading works for the public address system of

Ho Man Tin Swimming Pool

$104,680

3. Replacement works for hypochlorite generation electrolytic tanks of


$360,000

4. Replacement works for pressure water supply tanks of


$144,000

7. The Chairman asked Members to note the report on the progress of a total

of 19 DMW projects led by the LCSD and their expenditures listed in Annex II.

8. Mr TING Kin-wa said that he supported and recognised the LCSD’s

efforts for Projects 12 and 17 set out in Annex II.

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Discussion Items

Recreation and Sports Activity Programmes Organised by the LCSD in Kowloon

City District from April 2016 to March 2017

(Paper No. 05/16)

9. Miss Sylvia TANG of the LCSD introduced the Paper.

10. Mr YANG Wing-kit enquired whether the LCSD had arranged leisure and

cultural activities in Kai Tak District for local residents, and he suggested that the

LCSD should conduct a survey to understand the needs of local residents for various

leisure and cultural activities, with a view to diversifying the activities in Kowloon

City District.

11. Mr HO Hin-ming opined that the performance of Kowloon City District in

track and field events in the Hong Kong Games was relatively weak, and he enquired

if the LCSD could enhance the training and activities in track and field events for

Kowloon City District.


(i) the LCSD had been arranging leisure and cultural activities in Kai

Tak District for local residents since 2015, including Tai Chi

classes and carnivals. The LCSD would continue to review the

existing arrangement and arrange appropriate leisure and cultural

activities in view of the needs of residents; and

(ii) as always, the LCSD would continue to organise track and field

training classes this year, and work with district sports associations

closely to provide relevant activities.

13. After discussion, the Committee approved funding of $5,953,968 for the

LCSD to organise 1 224 recreation and sports activities in financial year 2016/17, and

reserving $326,454 for financial year 2017/18 to cover the expenses of activities in

March 2017.

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14. The Chairman said that as the above funding for activities exceeded the

ceiling of funding which could be approved by the Committee, such application must

be submitted to the District Council (DC) for approval before it could be officially

approved on or after 1 April 2016.

Free Local Civic Programmes Organised by the LCSD in Kowloon City District

in 2016/17

(Paper No. 06/16)

15. Mr Alex CHEUNG, Senior Manager (Kowloon West/Cultural Services)

of the LCSD introduced the Paper.

16. Mr YANG Wing-kit said that he supported the proposal on including the

soccer pitch at Ko Shan Road Park as a performance venue. He enquired whether

the LCSD would use the same performance venues used in 2015/16 for the

programmes in 2016/17. If that was the case, he opined that it was unreasonable to

include the soccer pitch at Ko Shan Road Park as a venue but not use it to hold

programmes. He requested the LCSD to increase the number of performances at the

soccer pitch at Ko Shan Road Park, including traditional cultural programmes such as

traditional stage art show, folk song and dance and Cantonese opera.

17. Mr HO Hin-ming opined that the number of audience of Cantonese opera

performances held at Argyle Street Playground and Basketball Court No. 4 at

Carpenter Road Park was rather small. He suggested that the LCSD should consider

holding similar Cantonese opera programmes at indoor venues, so as to accommodate

more audience.

18. Mr CHO Wui-hung supported the LCSD in holding free entertainment

programmes, and he said that the residents reacted enthusiastically to the programmes

held at Oi Man Estate and Martha Boss Lutheran Community Centre. However, he

said that Martha Boss Lutheran Community Centre and Oi Man Estate Concourse

could accommodate more audience, and he suggested that the LCSD should invite

local organisations to participate, or invite Members to be officiating guests of the

activities, so as to obtain a better publicity effect and attract more residents to the

activities.

19. Mr LUK King-kwong supported approving the funding application. He

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suggested that the LCSD should hold more entertainment programmes with

innovative elements in order to attract more young people to the activities. In

addition, he suggested that the LCSD should cooperate more closely with the Area

Committees and local organisations to obtain a better publicity effect.

20. Mr Tony NG supported the entertainment activities held by the LCSD.

He said he had noted that only 60 viewers were present at the performance

programme held at Six Arts Terrace, Kowloon Walled City Park, and he urged the

LCSD to review whether the publicity was insufficient. Meanwhile, he enquired

about the method which the LCSD used to count viewers, and he suggested that the

LCSD should send out invitation cards to invite Members to the entertainment

programmes.

21. Mr LAM Tak-shing opined that the programmes held by the LCSD were

rather monotonous, and he suggested incorporating other elements such as singing

competition, so as to attract more young people to be involved. Separately, he said

that the performance programmes held at Hung Hom Community Hall were not

sufficient, and he suggested holding one or two more recreation programmes.

22. Mr Alex CHEUNG of the LCSD made the following consolidated reply:

(i) the LCSD would hold free local entertainment programmes at the

soccer pitch at Ko Shan Road Park after July 2016, and would

place the request to hold traditional cultural programmes on record

and make relevant arrangements;

(ii) the LCSD had always been considering carefully whether the

performance venues were fit for Cantonese opera. He opined that

the small number of viewers of the Cantonese opera performances

at Argyle Street Playground and Basketball Court No. 4 at

Carpenter Road Park was probably attributable to the hot weather,

and he said that the LCSD would consider holding such

performance programmes at indoor venues;

(iii) the LCSD welcomed the cooperation with local organisations.

Co-organisers could assist in conducting publicity activities,

making liaison in the district and distributing tickets;

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(iv) the LCSD had noted the relative small number of viewers of the

performances held at Six Arts Terrace, Kowloon Walled City Park.

In light of this, the LCSD would arrange free local entertainment

programmes to be held at newly added venues this year, and

actively consider holding programmes at community halls;

(v) the LCSD could send information of free local entertainment

programmes to Members through the Secretariat; and

(vi) in addition to traditional entertainment programmes, the LCSD had

included some modern and popular performing arts programmes.

The relatively high proportion of traditional programmes was

mainly to cater for the needs of the group of relatively elderly

viewers in Kowloon City District, but the LCSD would also

arrange various types of entertainment programmes to cater for the

needs of people of different age groups. The LCSD welcomed

and noted the views of Members.

23. Mr LO Chiu-kit enquired about the criteria for selecting new venues, and

he pointed out that the LCSD had never held entertainment programmes at Hung Hom

Estate or Ka Wai Chuen. He said that Hung Hom Estate and Ka Wai Chuen were

geographically far from Hung Hom Community Hall. He enquired whether the

LCSD would consider including Hung Hom Estate and Ka Wai Chuen into the list of

performance venues in response to the strong appeal of the residents. In addition, he

enquired about the reaction of youngsters to the entertainment programmes in the

absence of celebrity effect, and he suggested that the LCSD should focus resources on

popular programmes. He reiterated that the residents of Hung Hom Estate and Ka

Wai Chuen had a strong demand for entertainment programmes such as children

programmes and Cantonese opera, and he enquired whether the LCSD would hold

such entertainment programmes at Hung Hom Estate and Ka Wai Chuen in the future.

24. In response, Mr Alex CHEUNG of the LCSD said that when considering

adding a new venue, the LCSD would consider key factors such as whether public

access was allowed, volume of pedestrian flow, availability of appropriate access for

vehicles transporting equipment, availability of sufficient power supply, etc. In the

selection of venues, the LCSD would arrange appropriate activities depending on the

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ancillary facilities and conditions of a venue. The LCSD welcomed Members to

propose new venues and would be willing to inspect such venues and study their

feasibility.

25. Mr LO Chiu-kit suggested that the LCSD should include Ka Wai Chuen

Central Square and the square in the park of Hung Hom Estate Phase 1 into the list of

performance venues this year.

26. In response, Mr Alex CHEUNG of the LCSD responded that the LCSD

would arrange inspection on the venues and conduct feasibility studies. It would

report to the Committee when appropriate, so that Members could consider whether or

not to include the venues as performance venues for free local entertainment

programmes.

27. Mr LO Chiu-kit requested the LCSD to conduct investigation works on

the venues as soon as possible.

(Post-meeting note: On 31 March 2016, the LCSD, together with duty officers of the

Office of Mr LO Chiu-kit and the offices of Ka Wai Chuen and Hung Hom Estate, had

inspected the venues at the estates, and carefully considered the space available and

technical support at these venues. Of these, Ka Wai Chuen Central Square was too

close to residential buildings. If programmes were held here, noise nuisance would

be caused to the residents. Therefore, it was not a suitable performance venue. The

square in the park of Hung Hom Estate Phase 1 was rather small, and it was fit for

small group performances only. The LCSD would continue to discuss with the

Office of Mr LO Chiu-kit and the offices of the estates, follow up to arrange

appropriate free local entertainment programmes and report to Members when

appropriate.)

28. After discussion, the Committee approved funding of $515,000 for the

LCSD to organise 24 free local entertainment programmes in financial year 2016/17,

and reserving $40,500 for financial year 2017/18 to cover the expenses of activities in

March 2017.

29. The Chairman said that as the above funding for activities exceeded the

ceiling of funding which could be approved by the Committee, such application must

be submitted to the DC for approval before it could be officially approved on or after

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1 April 2016.

(Post-meeting note: In mid-March, the LCSD had notified Members through the

Secretariat by email of the free local entertainment programmes to be held in

Kowloon City District in April, and would proceed with such arrangements going

forward.)

Public Library Promotion Activities Organised by the LCSD in Kowloon City

District in 2016/17

(Paper No. 07/16)

30. Mr LO Hing-kwan, Senior Librarian (Kowloon City) of the LCSD

introduced the Paper.

31. Mr LO Chiu-kit requested the LCSD to hold more storytelling activities

hosted by foreign teachers. In addition, he suggested that the LCSD should

co-organise reading, storytelling and parent-child activities for public participation

with various publishers, with a view to increasing the interest of the youth in reading.

He said that such suggestion had been raised before, and he enquired why the LCSD

had not followed up.

32. In response, Mr LO Hing-kwan of the LCSD said that the LCSD would

try to hold storytelling for children in Cantonese, Mandarin and English this year.

Meanwhile, the LCSD had planned to cooperate with schools to co-organise

storytelling for children with voluntary foreign teachers as hosts. Some foreign

teachers had also indicated their interest in hosting storytelling for children at

Kowloon Public Library. The LCSD said that it would avoid cooperating with

profit-making organisations whenever possible, but emphasised that it would hold

more activities on its own.

33. After discussion, the Committee approved funding of $82,170 for the

LCSD to organise 946 library promotion activities in financial year 2016/17, and

reserving $4,240 for financial year 2017/18 to cover the expenses of activities in

March 2017.

Setting up the District Football Team Working Group

(Paper No. 08/16)

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34. The Secretary introduced the Paper.

35. Mr PUN Kwok-wah supported setting up the District Football Team

Working Group. He requested the Secretariat to provide the Committee with the

results of competitions of the district football team in previous years for reference.

36. Dr KWONG Po-yin suggested setting up a cheering team to enable more

residents of Kowloon City District to take part in supporting the football team,

thereby enhancing their sense of belonging.

37. In response, the Secretary said that the results of competitions of the

district football team in previous years would be provided to the Committee after the

meeting. She also invited Members to join the District Football Team Working

Group to have dialogues with the responsible person of the district football team

directly and relay relevant views to them.

38. The Committee approved setting up the District Football Team Working

Group and its terms of reference.

Setting up the Working Group on the Management of Community Halls

(Paper No. 09/16)


40. The Committee approved setting up the Working Group on the

Management of Community Halls and its terms of reference.

Setting up the Working Group on the Signature Project

(Paper No. 10/16)


42. Mr PUN Kwok-wah supported setting up the Working Group on the

Signature Project. He said that the Signature Project of Kowloon City had been

submitted to the Panel on Home Affairs for approval on 18 January 2016, and would

be submitted to the Public Works Sub-Committee of the Legislative Council for

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approval on 29 February 2016. The Signature Project of Kowloon City would be

commenced if the funding application was successful.

43. The Chairman briefly introduced that the Signature Project of Kowloon

City was the development of the rear portion of the Cattle Depot. He said that upon

approval by the Public Works Sub-Committee of the Legislative Council on the

Signature Project of Kowloon City, it would be submitted to the Finance Committee

of the Legislative Council for approval. If the Finance Committee could not

complete the approval process before July this year, the project would need to be

approved by the new term of the Legislative Council from the very beginning again.

44. The Committee approved setting up the Working Group on the Signature

Project and its terms of reference.

Strong Call for Building a Public Library in Kai Tak District

(Paper No. 11/16)

45. Paper No. 11/16 was jointly signed by Miss LEUNG Yuen-ting and Mr HE

Huahan, and was introduced by Mr HE Huahan as the representative.

46. The Chairman invited Members to refer to the written response of Tabled

Paper No. 1 as submitted by the LCSD.

47. Mr LO Hing-kwan of the LCSD briefly introduced Tabled Paper No. 1.

48. Mr YANG Wing-kit enquired whether a new library would be built at the

existing site of Kowloon Public Library if it was reprovisioned to the Kai Tak

Development Area. If the LCSD would not build a new library at the existing site,

he would oppose to the LCSD’s plan to reprovision Kowloon Public Library to the

Kai Tak Development Area, and he strongly requested the establishment of an

additional major library in Kai Tak District in line with the population growth.

49. Miss LEUNG Yuen-ting opined that the reprovisioning of Kowloon Public

Library would affect local students, and she suggested that the LCSD should consider

setting up book drops at the Community Library of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui for

the convenience of residents in Kai Tak District to return books.

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50. Mr HE Huahan opined that when considering whether a major library was

needed to be provided, the LCSD should take into account both the population and the

needs of the community and neighbouring communities. Meanwhile, he opined that

the LCSD should review the usage of the mobile library stops and the service hours in

different districts, in order to avoid mismatch of resources and unfair allocation.

51. Mr LO Hing-kwan of the LCSD made the following consolidated reply:

(i) the plan to reprovision Kowloon Public Library in Kai Tak District

was still at the study stage. Currently the LCSD had no plan to

demolish the whole Kowloon Public Library. However, once a

major library was built in Kai Tak District, it was not likely that a

library of the same scale would be provided at the existing site of

Kowloon Public Library. It remained to be discussed as to

whether or not a district library or small library would be provided

instead. The LCSD indicated that it would continue to follow up

relevant developments with the Planning Department (PlanD);

(ii) the logistic operation behind the provision of book drops service

involved additional resources. Meanwhile, there was the problem

that the book borrowing quota could not be updated in a timely

manner due to the time difference in transport and actual operation.

It would be difficult for the LCSD to guarantee how long it would

take to resume the book borrowing quota after a reader returned

books through book drops, and the LCSD opined that it was not

economical to set up book drops at places apart from libraries;

(iii) currently there were a total of 12 mobile library vans in service.

The service hours designated for Kowloon City District were on

Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. The LCSD said that the DC

was free to change the service hours on these three days, but any

change of dates would be subject to the cooperation and consent of

other DCs; and

(iv) the LCSD requested Members to refer to the usage of the three

mobile library stops in Kowloon City District as set out in Paper

No. 20/16, and the LCSD opined that it deemed the existing

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service timetable as appropriate.

52. Mr YANG Wing-kit said that the LCSD must consult the opinions of

Kowloon City DC and Yau Tsim Mong DC on the plan to reprovision Kowloon

Public Library, and study how to improve the usage of mobile library stops.

53. Mr SIU Leong-sing welcomed the LCSD’s active efforts to study the

feasibility of building a major library in Kai Tak District, but he opposed to the

reprovisioning of Kowloon Public Library. He opined that the LCSD should not

refuse to respond to the appeal of residents by using Hong Kong Planning Standards

and Guidelines as an excuse, and that the residents would not oppose to the LCSD

providing more services than those set out in the standards.

54. Mr HE Huahan enquired whether the service hours of mobile library stops

could be extended to 9:00 p.m.

55. Dr KWONG Po-yin said that it was unfair to close down Kowloon Public

Library in order to build a major library in Kai Tak District. She suggested building

a district library in Kai Tak District and arranging more activities to enhance the

reading habit of residents.

56. Mr LO Hing-kwan of the LCSD made the following consolidated reply:

(i) Kowloon Public Library was established in 1985 with a history of

30 years. The reprovisioning plan would provide residents with

better facilities and more enriched collection. The LCSD

indicated that it would relay to the departments concerned

Members’ opposition to the reprovisioning of Kowloon Public

Library and their proposal requesting to build a district library in

Kai Tak District;

(ii) the LCSD would consult the opinions of the DCs concerned on the

plan to reprovision Kowloon Public Library;

(iii) due to limited resources, new library facilities would be planned

basically according to Hong Kong Planning Standards and

Guidelines; and

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(iv) the extension of service hours of mobile library stops would

involve human resources issues and would be difficult to

implement.

57. Mr PUN Kwok-wah requested that revision should be made to Hong Kong

Planning Standards and Guidelines, so as to be in line with social development and

respond to residents’ appeal.

58. The Chairman requested the LCSD to record Members’ views against the

reprovisioning of Kowloon Public Library and their request to adjust the service hours

of the mobile library stops. He also asked the Secretariat to send a letter to the

LCSD in the name of the LDFMC, stating that the Committee welcomed the

establishment of a district library in Kai Tak Development Area but opposed to the

reprovisioning of Kowloon Public Library to Kai Tak Development Area, while

requesting the LCSD to adjust the service hours of the mobile library stops and work

with the PlanD to review Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines, so as to be

in line with the current needs and development of society.

(Post-meeting note: The Secretariat had sent a letter to the LCSD on 10 March 2016

in the name of the LDFMC to relay the Committee’s views.)

Call for Installing Fitness Facilities for the Elderly at Perth Street Sports Ground

(Paper No. 12/16)

59. Paper No. 12/16 was submitted by Ir Dr CHENG Lee-ming. The

Chairman said that Ir Dr CHENG Lee-ming had appointed Mr YANG Wing-kit

before the meeting to introduce the Paper on his behalf.



61. Miss Sylvia TANG of the LCSD briefly introduced Tabled Paper No. 2.

Call for Providing Water Dispensers at Ko Shan Park

(Paper No. 13/16)

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62. Paper No. 13/16 was jointly signed by Mr Jimmy LAM and Mr YANG

Wing-kit, and was introduced by Mr Jimmy LAM as the representative.


Papers No. 3 and 4 as submitted by the LCSD.

64. Miss Sylvia TANG of the LCSD briefly introduced Tabled Paper No. 3.

65. Mr Alex CHEUNG of the LCSD briefly introduced Tabled Paper No. 4.

66. Mr Jimmy LAM enquired when the LCSD would install the water

dispensers.

67. In response, Miss Sylvia TANG of the LCSD said that after the

Architectural Services Department (ArchSD) completed the feasibility study and

provided the proposal on works and cost estimates, a funding application would be

made to the Committee and relevant works would be commenced.

Call for Installing Additional and Renewing Existing Recreational and Fitness

Equipment at Ko Shan Park

(Paper No. 14/16)

68. Paper No. 14/16 was jointly signed by Mr Jimmy LAM and Mr YANG

Wing-kit, and was introduced by Mr Jimmy LAM as the representative.



70. Mr YANG Wing-kit hoped that the LCSD would install additional elderly

fitness equipment in the space close to Lok Man Sun Chuen.

71. Miss Sylvia TANG of the LCSD briefly introduced Tabled Paper No. 5,

and she said in response that the LCSD would check with Mr YANG Wing-kit after

the meeting to further understand his suggestion.

72. Mr Jimmy LAM supplemented that the place which Mr YANG Wing-kit

referred to was not in Lok Man Sun Chuen, but beside the 7-a-side soccer pitch at Ko

- 17 -

Shan Road Park. There was only one set of fitness equipment at the place, and the

installation of two to three more sets was proposed.

73. In response, Miss Sylvia TANG of the LCSD said that the LCSD would

follow up and study this proposal.

(Post-meeting note: The LCSD said that it had submitted to the Technical Unit the

proposal on installing two more sets of fitness equipment in the Fitness Corner for the

Elderly. Upon approval, a funding application would be made to the Committee.)

Request for Early Implementation of Improvement Works for Upgrading the

Sitting-out Area at Station Lane

(Paper No. 15/16)

74. Paper No. 15/16 was jointly signed by the Hon Starry LEE and Mr LAM

Tak-shing, and was introduced by Mr LAM Tak-shing as the representative.



76. Mr LO Chiu-kit opined that the progress of the improvement works

concerned was relatively slow, and he enquired whether the improvement works

included items such as shade structures, fitness equipment and water dispensers. He

requested the LCSD to explain in detail all the items included in the improvement

works.


and she said that such suggestion would be submitted to the ArchSD for feasibility

study. If the suggestion was feasible, the LCSD would discuss with Member of the

constituency concerned on the additional equipment, report to the Committee and

apply for funding.

78. Mr LO Chiu-kit enquired when the LCSD would report to the Committee

and apply for funding in relation to the suggestion.

79. In response, Miss Sylvia TANG of the LCSD said that the LCSD would

relay the concern of Members to the ArchSD and request the ArchSD to complete the

- 18 -

report in three months.

Request for Opening the Lawn at the Sports Ground in Tin Kwong Road to

Public in Order to Increase Open Space

(Paper No. 16/16)

80. Paper No. 16/16 was jointly signed by the Hon Starry LEE Wai-king, Mr

LUK King-kwong, Mr PUN Kwok-wah, Mr NG Po-keung, Mr Tony NG, Mr Terence

SIU, Mr Roger KWAN and Mr LAM Tak-shing, and was introduced by Mr Tony

NG as the representative.



82. Mr HO Hin-ming said that it was necessary to confirm whether the venue

being discussed was the sports ground or the softball field on Tin Kwong Road.


and she said in response that the sports ground on Tin Kwong Road was a facility

managed by the LCSD, while the adjacent softball field was managed by Hong Kong

Softball Association, so she could not reply on its utilisation rate on behalf of the

Association. According to the LCSD’s existing policy, lawns under the LCSD were

categorised into three types, including (A) multi-purpose lawns, (B) ornamental lawns

and (C) sports lawns. The sports ground on Tin Kwong Road was a sports lawn

designated for cricket and football. It required meticulous maintenance to maintain

high quality to meet the requirements of training and competitions. It was thus

inappropriate to open the lawn to the public for unspecified purposes. The utilisation

rate of the sports ground on Tin Kwong Road was 90% and 84% in 2014/15 and

2015/16 respectively. There was no room for further opening.

Call for Immediate Provision of Water Dispensers at Ma Tau Wai Road

Playground

(Paper No. 17/16)

84. Paper No. 17/16 was submitted by Mr Terence SIU. As he was absent

from the meeting, Mr Roger KWAN introduced the Paper on his behalf.

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Departmental Reports

The LCSD’s Report on the Sports and Physical Recreation Activities Organised

in Kowloon City District and the Management of Facilities

(Paper No. 18/16)

86. Miss Sylvia TANG of the LCSD introduced the Paper.

87. Mr YANG Wing-kit said that he relayed Ir Dr CHENG Lee-ming’s views

on the alteration of part of Pui Ching Road Rest Garden into a pet garden. He said

that Ir Dr CHENG Lee-ming supported building a pet garden, but opined that Pui

Ching Road Rest Garden was relatively small, without sufficient space for pets to

move around. It was not an appropriate choice of site and the proposed trial plan,

which was for three months only, was a waste of public funds. He said that Ir Dr

CHENG Lee-ming proposed Sheung Shing Street Park as the preferred choice,

because private residences would be completed in the vicinity, and the provision of a

pet garden would meet the needs of the residents. The second best choice was the

space under Fat Kwong Street Flyover, where dog lovers could still bring their pets

outdoors on rainy days. He said that Ir Dr CHENG Lee-ming requested the LCSD to

include the proposed Sheung Shing Street Park and the space under Fat Kwong Street

Flyover for residents’ consideration during the consultation, and convene a residents’

meeting to enable residents to express their views.

88. Mr SIU Leong-sing praised the LCSD for actively following up the

establishment of a pet garden, and he supported the proposed plan of the LCSD and

agreed that Sheung Shing Street Park and the space under Fat Kwong Street Flyover

should be included for residents’ consideration. He hoped that the LCSD could

conduct feasibility studies on Sheung Shing Street Park and the space under Fat

Kwong Street Flyover first, and then carry out consultation after the completion

thereof.

89. Miss Sylvia TANG of the LCSD said that the LCSD was open-minded

about the establishment of pet gardens in Sheung Shing Street Park and the space

under Fat Kwong Street Flyover. It would work with the works departments to

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study the feasibility of the proposal and report the progress to the Committee when

appropriate. The LCSD welcomed the Committee to provide views on the trial

period of the proposed plan, and said that it would follow up the proposed plan based

on the decision of the Committee.

90. Mr YANG Wing-kit opined that the LCSD should respond to Members’

suggestions positively other than merely extending the trial period of the proposed

plan.

91. Miss Sylvia TANG of the LCSD said that since some Members at the

meeting believed that the trial period proposed was too short, the LCSD welcomed the

Committee to provide views on the trial period. As to whether or not to alter part of

Pui Ching Road Rest Garden into a pet garden, the LCSD would respect the

Committee’s decision.

92. Mr SIU Leong-sing opined that the LCSD should temporarily shelve the

trial plan to build a pet garden in Pui Ching Road Rest Garden, pending the

completion of feasibility studies on Sheung Shing Street Park and the space under Fat

Kwong Street Flyover. The trial plan to build a pet garden in Pui Ching Road Rest

Garden should be discussed only if Sheung Shing Street Park and the space under Fat

Kwong Street Flyover were found to be infeasible.

93. Mr YANG Wing-kit supplemented that pet gardens under flyovers had

been built in other districts, and he hoped that the LCSD could make reference to the

practice of those districts.

94. Mr PUN Kwok-wah pointed out that the LCSD should restore the site if

the result of the trial plan was not satisfactory, and he enquired about the reason why

the LCSD proposed the trial plan for the pet garden.

95. In response, Miss Sylvia TANG of the LCSD said that the LCSD observed

that pet owners usually took their dogs outdoors in the evening. In view of the safety

concerns by the schools nearby over their students and the ending time of school days,

etc., it was proposed that the opening hours of the pet garden to be 6 to 11 p.m. so as

to balance the needs of all stakeholders, and that a trial plan should be implemented to

further collect the views of the public.

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96. The Chairman confirmed to the LCSD that the costs of the works to set up

the pet garden and the trial plan were borne by the DC, while the future operating

expenses of the pet garden would be borne by the LCSD. As the Committee had

resolved to shelve the trial plan temporarily, there was no need to follow up the

related consultation for the time being.

97. Mr YANG Wing-kit suggested that the LCSD should conduct feasibility

studies on Sheung Shing Street Park and the space under Fat Kwong Street Flyover

before convening a residents’ meeting and conducting consultation.

98. The Committee agreed unanimously to the above arrangements.

99. Mr Roger KWAN pointed out that actually a majority of residents in To

Kwa Wan hoped that the opening hours of Hoi Sham Park could remain unchanged.

He opined that the LCSD had not carefully considered the needs of residents in To

Kwa Wan before proposing the change of the opening hours. In addition, he

enquired whether the LCSD had taken other measures to solve the problem of noise

nuisance.

100. Mr Jimmy LAM said that a majority of local residents hoped that the

opening hours of Hoi Sham Park could remain unchanged. He pointed out that

shortening the opening hours would cause users in the morning to have insufficient

time to use the facilities of the park before going to work. In addition, he opined that

the sunshine duration would affect the number of users as calculated by the LCSD.

101. Mr YANG Wing-kit suggested that the LCSD’s proposal to change the

opening hours could be implemented on a trial basis to see whether strong opposition

would be received from residents and to observe the actual circumstances. The

original opening hours would not be resumed unless there were strong opposing

voices.

102. Mr PUN Kwok-wah said that in order to balance the appeals and interests

of different stakeholders, he agreed to the LCSD’s proposal and believed that it was

appropriate. He hoped that the LCSD could also study whether there were any other

long-term solutions.

103. Mr HO Hin-ming doubted whether the park must be fully opened at 5:30

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a.m. He enquired whether it was necessary to open the park fully, saying that partial

opening might be considered. He opined that if people doing Tai Chi played music

at 5:30 a.m., it would certainly cause nuisance to residents in the vicinity.


(i) the LCSD’s proposal to change the opening time to 6:30 a.m. was

only applicable to the basketball court and the soccer pitch at the

park, while the opening time for other facilities remained

unchanged;

(ii) the LCSD chose to count the number of users during the two

weeks from 6 to 20 October because the weather during this period

was mild and fit for outdoor exercises, and the actual

circumstances of morning walkers could be reflected. The staff

observed that though the volume of music played by morning

walkers and/or people doing Tai Chi was not high, it sounded very

loud in the tranquil early morning;

(iii) in order to improve the noise problem caused by park users when

doing exercises in the early morning, the LCSD had replaced the

material of the backboard of the basketball court to reduce the

noise made when a basketball hit the backboard. The LCSD had

also sent staff to the site to call on basketball court users and

morning walkers to keep their voice down when doing exercises.

They all appeared to be cooperative, but regrettably, they were too

excited after made shots and often cheered for that; and

(iv) the LCSD would display notices at conspicuous places at the

basketball court and the soccer pitch at the park to notify the

public of the new arrangement, and send staff to call on basketball

court users to use the basketball court at the adjacent King Wan

Street Playground instead, so as to balance the needs of different

stakeholders.

105. Mr HO Hin-ming suggested the LCSD to send staff to call on morning

walkers to place their music players facing the sea, so as to reduce the noise nuisance

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caused to the residents as much as possible.

106. Mr Roger KWAN agreed that the LCSD could change the opening time on

a trial basis for three months, and requested the LCSD to post sufficient notices to

have users informed of the trial arrangement.

107. In response, Miss Sylvia TANG of the LCSD said that in the past, the

LCSD had called on morning walkers to place their music players facing the sea and

cover their music players with carton boxes to lower the volume, and they were

cooperative.

108. The Chairman praised the LCSD for the method taken to collect views on

the opening hours of Hoi Sham Park, and opined that the LCSD had collected views

from the stakeholders of both sides.

109. Taking the time of the meeting into account, the Committee unanimously

decided to change the opening hours of the basketball court and soccer pitch at Hoi

Sham Park for four months on a trial basis, and required the LCSD to report the result

of the trial scheme to the Committee before conducting a review.

110. The Chairman reported that the residents hoped the opening period of Tai

Wan Shan Swimming Pool could be extended to 30 November each year.

111. In response, Miss Sylvia TANG of the LCSD said that taking into account

the actual usage of the swimming pool after September, and on the premise of proper

use of resources, the opening period of Tai Wan Shan Swimming Pool was set to be 1

April to 31 October each year. The LCSD said that it would closely monitor the

number of swimming pool users and review when appropriate.

District Arts and Cultural Activities Organised by the LCSD in Kowloon City

District in 2016/17

(Paper No. 19/16)

112. Mr Alex CHEUNG of the LCSD introduced the Paper.

113. The Committee noted the Paper.

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The LCSD’s Report on Public Library Promotion Activities and Use of Library

Facilities in Kowloon City District and Progress Report for DMW Projects

(Paper No. 20/16)

114. Mr LO Hing-kwan of the LCSD introduced the Paper.

115. The Committee noted the Paper.

Any Other Business

116. The Chairman said that the Secretariat had received a letter from the

LCSD proposing the nomination of two Members among the new term of the DC to

act as “Sports Ambassadors” of the district, participate in the sports activities

organised by the LCSD and its Community Sports Committee, assist in encouraging

DC Members and local residents to take an active part in sports and promote the

importance and benefit of sports among residents, with a view to forming a healthy

living style. The term of office of the “Sports Ambassadors” was two years till the

end of December 2017.

117. The Committee approved unanimously that Mr HO Hin-ming and Mr

Terence SIU acted as “Sports Ambassadors” of Kowloon City District.

118. Mr HO Hin-ming requested the LCSD to enhance anti-mosquito measures

in parks to prevent the spread of Zika virus.

119. Miss Sylvia TANG of the LCSD said that the staff carried out

anti-mosquito measures according to the departmental guidelines and that the LCSD

would continue to monitor closely and enhance anti-mosquito operations when

appropriate.

Date of Next Meeting

120. The Chairman declared that the time and date of next meeting would be at

2:30 p.m. of 28 April 2016 (Thursday) while the deadline for submission of

documents would be 13 April 2016. There being no other business, the meeting was

adjourned at 5:28 p.m.

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121. The minutes of this meeting were confirmed on 28 April 2016

The Chairman

The Secretary

Kowloon City District Council Secretariat

April 2016

Documents

Minutes of the 2nd Meeting of the Leisure and District ... · the Leisure and District Facilities Management Committee ... He pointed out that the general service life of ... contractor