Palm Beach Undergrounding Master Plan COMPLETE MP Online-v4 | Page 169

Executive Summary 10.0 Public Outreach Program The undergrounding project in the Town of Palm Beach will incorporate a communications plan to ensure that residents are informed on the process, the safeguards, benefits, and costs. The Community Outreach Program is a critical part of the public education and transparency efforts. The outreach program creates a link between the engineering team, Town staff, elected leaders, the Undergrounding Task Force (UUTF), utility owners, Town residents, and the media. The program will engage and communicate with the community through presentations, print and electronic media, public meetings, and with surrogates. The Community Outreach Program will need to have separate communication plans to ensure we are reaching both residents and businesses. ¾ ¾ Community meetings with Town organizations and groups that are involved in Town issues. This includes the Palm Beach Civic Association and Citizens’ Association of Palm Beach, but also with smaller, private groups who may express an interest in the undergrounding project. ¾ ¾ Town Hall-style presentations in coordination with the Palm Beach Civic Association, Palm Beach Citizens’ Association, and other local community or neighborhood TOWN-WIDE UNDERGROUNDING OF UTILITIES PROGRAM MASTER PLAN DOCUMENT groups, on a quarterly to semi-annual basis based on project schedule and needs. ¾ ¾ Establishment of a surrogate and communications outreach program. Ensure surrogates who are interested in receiving information or disseminating information are provided regular briefings or talking points so they can share information to their members or contacts. This group would include the UUTF and other community stakeholders. ¾ ¾ Develop a separate program for South End outreach that focuses on meeting with condo managers and residents to provide them with factual information, leave behind materials in the condo office, and to connect with the unit owners about the project. ¾ ¾ Separate meetings and presentations can be provided as requested to address individual building or neighborhood needs, with access to planning and engineering team members or Town staff. ¾ ¾ Setup and provide access to communication hotlines, emails and online forms that residents can utilize to address questions or concerns. PUBLIC OUTREACH PROGRAM | 147