Page 87 of 115
162
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Page 87 of 115
163
to members of the media. Only in the case where the subject concerns financially or commercially sensitive information, or negotiating strategies, contracts and tenders will the Council hold private discussions among its members.
The decision by the Council to achieve full transparency was taken to demonstrate its accountability to the people of Hong Kong, particularly to the rate-payers who finance its essential day-to-day operations and services. I am certain that, in so doing, the Council has done much to further improve its image in the eyes of the public. May I take this opportunity to welcome members of the public including those in the public gallery to attend our meeting this afternoon. We will be delighted to share our civic deliberation with you all.
Commissioner for Administrative Complaints (Amendment) Ordinance 1994 Upon the enactment of the Commissioner for Administrative Complaints (COMAC) (Amendment) Ordinance 1994 in June 1994, the Urban Council has been included under COMAC's jurisdiction together with five other public bodies. The Ordinance empowered the COMAC to investigate the administrative acts of both the Urban Council and the Urban Services Department, the policy making body and the executive arm of the Council respectively. This has been a subject of considerable concern among Members of the Council. In particular, Members are anxious about the investigative authority of COMAC on policies decided by the Council and the impact of the Ordinance on individual acts of Councillors. With clarifications given by the Commissioner, Mr. Andrew So, in his recent meeting with the Council, Members were assured that, so far as policies and legislation are concerned, COMAC could only make recommendations and it would be up to the Council to consider whether these recommendations are acceptable. The Working Party appointed to review the Administrative Acts of Urban Councillors has been tasked to work out, in consultation with the Department and COMAC, better defined guidelines on the application of this Ordinance to the Council. I shall await with interest the outcome of the Working Party's deliberations in this respect.
The Hong Kong Stadium
The Hong Kong Stadium was officially reopened on 11 March 1994 and, as Members are well aware, various problems have since unexpectedly emerged which have attracted considerable public and media attention. Rather than turning its back on these problems, since the Council took over the management authority of the Stadium from the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club, we have tried to approach and solve the problems in practical and realistic ways. I am pleased to report that, through the relentless efforts of the Board of Governors, the Department and the Stadium Manager, there is now much hope that we are close to resolving these problems, the main ones being the pitch and noise from concerts.
The Stadium had staged a series of sound tests in November last year, which successfully demonstrated that, through re-configuration of seating arrangements and the sound emission system, it would be possible to hold reasonably acoustically and enjoyable Canto pop concerts within the sound limits prescribed by the Environmental Protection Department. The Stadium Manager is now in the process of selecting a set of sound equipment for live concert tests and, if this turns out to be an equal success, Canto pop concerts could be staged at the Stadium before long.
Turning to the pitch problem, we are indeed most grateful to the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club for agreeing in September last year to provide a sum of money for the Urban Council to rebuild the pitch. A Stadium Pitch Technical Committee, set up by the Board of Governors, has since been working hard on an intensive programme to rejuvenate the pitch. The pitch is now showing very encouraging signs of improvement. Subject to the response of the pitch to the Lunar New Year Soccer Match to be held in late January and the Rugby Sevens at the end of March, there is a high possibility that total rebuilding of the turf is unnecessary.
I have high hopes that these two major problems could be resolved satisfactorily in the foreseeable future and that the Stadium can continue to operate on a commercially viable basis. Meanwhile, I should like to appeal once again to the public, particularly residents in the vicinity of the Stadium, for their understanding and forbearance. The Stadium is a magnificent venue with the biggest seating capacity in Hong Kong. It is incumbent upon the Council to maximise its use for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of Hong Kong. We shall strive to achieve this aim and we will do so in full compliance with the provision of the law.
Taking Over of the Music Office
In last year's Annual Convention Debate, I mentioned the two Municipal Councils' interest in taking over the running of the Music Office. I am very pleased that in July last year, the two Councils reached agreement with the Government through the working party chaired by the Honourable Frederick FUNG in our Council on the take-over arrangements. The Music Office will, in future, be managed by the Urban Services Department and the Regional Services Department by rotation and constantly supervised by a joint management committee of the two Councils. The two Councils are now working on the staff structure and terms of appointment of staff to be engaged under the new Music Office with a view to formally taking over the Music Office in August 1995. I am sure that, thereafter, we will be able to continue the valuable services being offered by the Music Office in music promotion for the younger members of our community.
Planning and Development of Museums
During the year under review, there has been notable progress on the development of museums. I am able to report that the Administration has agreed to reserve funds for the construction of a permanent Museum of History on an allocated site at Chatham Road East, next to the Science Museum, subject to final approval by the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council. The Council has appointed a museum consultant to work closely with the Consultant Architect appointed by the Government, and earmarked funds for the museum exhibits. Planning on the construction of the Lei Yu Mun Museum which focuses on the history of local coastal defense is progressing smoothly. The Museum will involve renovation of a 19th century fort and incorporating remains of military installations. Permanent allocation of the site to Council is now being processed, but in the interim, the Council has appointed an exhibit designer for
Page 87 of 115
Page 87 of 115
162
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
Page 87 of 115
163
to members of the media. Only in the case where the subject concerns financially or commercially sensitive information, or negotiating strategies, contracts and tenders will the Council hold private discussions among its members.
The decision by the Council to achieve full transparency was taken to demonstrate its accountability to the people of Hong Kong, particularly to the rate-payers who finance its essential day-to-day operations and services. I am certain that, in so doing, the Council has done much to further improve its image in the eyes of the public. May I take this opportunity to welcome members of the public including those in the public gallery to attend our meeting this afternoon. We will be delighted to share our civic deliberation with you all.
Commissioner for Administrative Complaints (Amendment) Ordinance 1994 Upon the enactment of the Commissioner for Administrative Complaints (COMAC) (Amendment) Ordinance 1994 in June 1994, the Urban Council has been included under COMAC's jurisdiction together with five other public bodies. The Ordinance empowered the COMAC to investigate the administrative acts of both the Urban Council and the Urban Services Department, the policy making body and the executive arm of the Council respectively. This has been a subject of considerable concern among Members of the Council. In particular, Members are anxious about the investigative authority of COMAC on policies decided by the Council and the impact of the Ordinance on individual acts of Councillors. With clarifications given by the Commissioner, Mr. Andrew So, in his recent meeting with the Council, Members were assured that, so far as policies and legislation are concerned, COMAC could only make recommendations and it would be up to the Council to consider whether these recommendations are acceptable. The Working Party appointed to review the Administrative Acts of Urban Councillors has been tasked to work out, in consultation with the Department and COMAC, better defined guidelines on the application of this Ordinance to the Council. I shall await with interest the outcome of the Working Party's deliberations in this respect.
The Hong Kong Stadium
The Hong Kong Stadium was officially reopened on 11 March 1994 and, as Members are well aware, various problems have since unexpectedly emerged which have attracted considerable public and media attention. Rather than turning its back in these problems, since the Council took over the management authority of the Stadium from the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club, we have tried to approach and solve the problems in practical and realistic ways. I am pleased to report that, through the relentless efforts of the Board of Governors, the Department and the Stadium Manager, there is now much hope that we are close to resolving these problems, the main ones being the pitch and noise from concerts.
The Stadium had staged a series of sound tests in November last year, which successfully demonstrated that, through re-configuration of seating arrangements and the sound emission system, it would be possible to hold reasonably acoustically and enjoyable Canto pop concerts within the sound limits prescribed by the Environmental Protection Department. The Stadium Manager is now in the process of selecting a set
Page 87 of 115
of sound equipment for live concert tests and, if this turns out to be an equal success, Canto pop concerts could be staged at the Stadium before long.
Turning to the pitch problem, we are indeed most grateful to the Royal Hong Kong Jocket Club for agreeing in September last year to provide a sum of money for the Urban Council to rebuild the pitch. A Stadium Pitch Technical Committee, set up by the Board of Governors, has since been working hard on an intensive programme to rejuvenate the pitch. The pitch is now showing very encouraging signs of improvement. Subject to the response of the pitch to the Lunar New Year Soccer Match to be held in late January and the Rugby Sevens at the end of March, there is a high possibility that total rebuilding of the turf is unnecessary.
I have high hopes that these two major problems could be resolved satisfactorily in the foreseeable future and that the Stadium can continue to operate on a commercially viable basis. Meanwhile, I should like to appeal once again to the public, particularly residents in the vicinity of the Stadium, for their understanding and forbearance. The Stadium is a magnificent venue with the biggest seating capacity in Hong Kong. It is incumbent upon the Council to maximise its use for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of Hong Kong. We shall strive to achieve this aim and we will do so in full compliance within the provision of the law.
Taking Over of the Music Office
In last year's Annual Conventional Debate, I mentioned the two Municipal Council's interest in taking over the running of the Music Office. I am very pleased that in July last year, the two Councils reached agreement with the Government through the working party chaired by the Honourable Frederick FUNG in our Council on the take- over arrangements. The Music Office will, in future, be managed by the Urban Services Department and the Regional Services Department by rotation and constantly supervised by a joint management committee of the two Councils. The two Councils are now working on the staff structure and terms of appointment of staff to be engaged under the new Music Office with a view to formally taking over the Music Office in August 1995. I am sure that, thereafter, we will be able to continue the valuable services being offered by the Music Office in music promotion for the younger members of our community.
Planning and Development of Museums
During the year under review, there has been notable progress on the development of museums. I am able to report that the Administration has agreed to reserve funds for the construction of a permanent Museum of History on an allocated site at Chatham Road East, next to the Science Museum, subject to final approval by the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council. The Council has appointed a museum consultant to work closely with the Consultant Architect appointed by the Government, and ear- marked funds for the museum exhibits. Planning on the construction of the Lei Yu Mun Museum which focuses on the history of local coastal defense is progressing smoothly. The Museum will involve renovation of a 19th century fort and incorporating remains of military installations. Permanent allocation of the site to Council is now being processed, but in the interim, the Council has appointed an exhibit designer for
Page 87 of 115
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.