Voluntown Town Hall

The Voluntown Volunteer Fire Company has a new website, www.voluntownfire.org. Residents are encouraged to visit this site for fire department news, information on volunteering, department event information, and to reserve dinner tickets.

8/23/18 Press Release from Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy

Gov. Malloy Announces Launch of Statewide Text-to-911 Capability

New Service Provides Ability to Send a Text Message in an Emergency When Absolutely Necessary, Including for Those with Disabilities and in Situations When a Voice Call is Not Safe

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that the State of Connecticut has launched a new Text-to-911 capability as part of the state’s new Next Generation 9-1-1 Emergency Telecommunications System. Text-to-911 provides residents with the ability to send a text message to 9-1-1 from a handheld device in emergency situations when it is either unsafe or they are unable to place a voice call. The system, which is available statewide, is now in effect.

“The safety and security of our residents is a top priority and this is an important innovation that will indubitably save lives,” said Governor Malloy. “There are emergency situations where a voice call to 9-1-1 is neither possible nor safe. This technology provides increased protection for residents, including victims of domestic violence and those who are deaf or hard of hearing, by increasing access to emergency responders in such scenarios.”

Officials are cautioning residents that voice calls to 9-1-1 remain the best and fastest way to contact emergency services whenever it is feasible to do so. Text-to-911 is only intended to be used when absolutely necessary or needed, which is why the new system’s theme is: Call if you can, text if you can’t.

Text-to-911 is specifically intended for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability. It is also intended to be used when people are in certain situations that would be unsafe or impractical to place an audible voice call, such as during a home invasion, an act of domestic violence, or active mass shooting, and also during medical emergencies that render a person incapable of speech.

Connecticut is one of only several states in the nation to roll out the Text-to-911 feature statewide.

“The Text-to-911 feature is a new alternative to calling 9-1-1 and designed for people who are in danger and are unable to speak,” said Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman. “Residents in need of assistance now have a new tool to communicate with emergency services to get the help that they need. This will certainly help save lives and I’m glad this technology is currently available in Connecticut.”

“It is critical that everyone is able to contact 9-1-1 to summon help in an emergency and that is why Connecticut created Text-to-911 capability,” said Commissioner Dora Schriro of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). “The Text-to-911 feature was added to enhance the public’s safety and wellbeing and it could save lives, especially for those with hearing and speech impairments and anyone in a situation where silence is essential to their safety when summoning help. Soon, public service announcements will air on TV and radio showing you how to use this feature, but for additional information any time, go to www.Text911CT.org.”

“This is a great step forward in the communication options for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have another disability that makes texting in an emergency their best or possibly only method to contact emergency services,” said Commissioner Amy Porter of the Department of Rehabilitation Services, which is responsible for promoting equal access and self-sufficiency for people with disabilities.

“I want to thank the Governor and his administration for the ever present vigilance on behalf of victims of domestic violence,” said Mary-Jane Foster, President and CEO of Hartford’s Interval House, the state’s largest and oldest domestic violence agency. “The ability to use this very important tool in the most dangerous of situations gives a voice to victims when they otherwise would not have one. We know for a fact that the ability to text 9-1-1 will save lives.”

“The new Text-to-911 technology will provide an important lifeline for many victims of domestic violence in Connecticut,” said Karen Jarmoc, CEO of Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “Victims may find themselves in situations where violence is escalating quickly and it is not safe for them to call the police in front of the person abusing them. This new technology will provide them with a discreet way to seek police help. We thank Governor Malloy and Commissioner Schriro for their leadership.”

To use Text-to-911, enter the numbers “911” in the “to” or “recipient” field on a mobile phone or other handheld device. Text a brief message that includes the location of the emergency and what services are needed (police, fire, ambulance). After that, answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call center.

Connecticut’s 9-1-1 Emergency Telecommunications System is maintained and operated by DESPP’s Division of Statewide Emergency Telecommunications. To make residents aware of the new capability and educate on the proper uses, DESPP has launched a public education campaign that will include television and radio spots, online and cinema advertising, social media alerts, and outreach to targeted populations.

For more information on the Text-to-911 system and to see a demonstration of the capability, visit www.Text911CT.org.

Twitter: @GovMalloyOffice

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy

Meals-On-Wheels Delivery Available to Voluntown Senior Residents

The Town of Voluntown Prescription Discount Card is available to all Voluntown residents, no matter their age, employment status, or whether they are currently insured. Residents may print a card by visiting http://ctrxdiscountcard.com, and begin using it right away. If you don’t have access to a printer, cards are available on the information wall outside the town clerk’s office. Simply bring the card to the pharmacy counter when filling a prescription.

This card was designed to be used if you do not have insurance or if something is not covered by your current insurance program. This card cannot be used in conjunction with another insurance program in order to discount your co-pays or deductible. This card can be used for pet prescriptions.

A message from the Voluntown Planning & Zoning Commission:

The POCD workshop scheduled for July 11th has been rescheduled to October 10th from 6:00pm-730pm at Voluntown Town Hall.  The rest of the workshop scheduled dates remain the same.

Scott Davidson, Chairman

Call 2-1-1 for a list of cooling centers. 

Heat stroke is an Emergency! In cases of heat stroke, call 911.

Precautionary/Preparedness Actions: An Excessive Heat Watch means that combination of heat and humidity could create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible.

• Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside.
• When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
• Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at increased risk.
• Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoors.
• Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning.
• Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors.
• Reduce risk during outdoor work- the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.
• Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.

More info:

• Extreme Hot Weather- Click for information and cooling stations

For more information about Voluntown Elementary School, visit the VES Website.

At their regular meeting on June 13, 2018 the Voluntown Planning and Zoning Commission rendered the following decision:

App. #041118  Alfred & Tammy Daigneault—15 Preston City Road/Special Exception for adding a 4th unit to an existing 3 unit multi-family dwelling, parking for apartments, new driveway access, septic repairs or upgrades for apartments per health code.

Application APPROVED

Approved 15 days after publication of this notice.

(Published in the Norwich Bulletin June 21, 2018)

Dated at Voluntown, CT this 13th day of June 2018.

Scott Davidson, Chairman

A message from the Voluntown Planning and Zoning Commission:

It is time to start working on the Voluntown Plan of Conservation and Development for 2020.   Click on the link below to see the topics and schedule.   2nd Wednesday of the month (bi-monthly)  from 6:00pm-7:30pm at Voluntown Town Hall.    1st scheduled time is June 13th and the next will be July 11th.   After July, the schedule will be bi-monthly.  September 12, November 14 and then beginning in January for 2019.

Voluntown POCD 2020-2030 Timeline

Finn Beach officially opens on June 15. Parking passes will be available in the Town Clerk’s Office stating on June 4. Passes will be needed to park in the lot starting on this day. There will be security at the lot, just like last year. Parking passes are the same price as last year. There will be no parking allowed on the side of the road.

Finn Beach is a public beach and open to anyone, regardless of whether or not they live in Voluntown.

To offset the cost of lot security the fees for parking passes are as follows:

Voluntown Residents: $20 for the season (includes 2 guest day passes)
Non-Residents: $40 for the season
Day passes: $10 per day.

PASSES MUST BE PICKED UP AT THE TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE DURING REGULAR TOWN HALL HOURS. PASSES WILL NOT BE SOLD AT THE BEACH. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE TOWN HALL IS CLOSED ON FRIDAYS AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY FOR THE WEEKEND. FOR RESIDENT PASSES, PLEASE HAVE A PROOF OF RESIDENCE READY TO SHOW. 

For more information on Finn Beach and for the beach rules, visit: http://www.voluntown.gov/finn-beach/