At the first Board of Directors meeting for 2007, we agreed that our priorities would continue to include the beautification project that began last year. In addition, plans are underway to develop a web site that will enable us to better inform and communicate with our members. We are also working with the appropriate people in the city and county governments to improve the quality of services we receive, such as the response to 911 calls.

The Covenants in our community remain critically important. Many articles have appeared in previous issues of the Tribune concerning this issue, so I am happy to report that the number of violations has significantly decreased during the past year.

There are a few violations that come to the attention of the Board on a fairly regular basis. Most of these have been resolved by a phone call or visit to the homeowner. The two most common violations are related to garbage/trash receptacles, when they are stored outside, and propane tanks. In general, the requirement is that these items need to be screened from view and not be visible from the street or golf course. The one exception is propane tanks used with outdoor grills. We have received a few questions relating to boats, trailers and RV’s. Keeping these vehicles in your yard or driveway overnight is not permitted. However, residents are allowed to have a boat or RV on sight for no more than 24 hours in preparation for a trip or cleaning.

The revitalized Crime Watch Committee had its initial meeting recently. This committee, when fully operational, will consist of Block Captains in the various sections of Taberna. They will be working closely with the New Bern Police Department in their ongoing efforts to prevent crimes in our community. If you are interested in being involved with this project, please contact Larry Alderson at 633-5755.

Recently there has been a rash of crimes in our area, including car break-ins and thefts. To combat this criminal activity, the New Bern Police Department has responded by increasing the number of patrols in Taberna. However we still need the cooperation and vigilance of our residents to keep our community safe.

During 2006, Association members developed a proposed amendment to the covenants to permit garage sales and small social sales on a limited basis. That proposed amendment did not pass since the required number of votes was not received. It has been brought to our attention that a garage sale was recently held in Taberna. Since this is a violation of the Covenants, the Board is addressing this violation with the homeowner.

Residents have expressed their concern with commercial vehicles running the red light at the entrance to Taberna. Steve Tyson, Craven County Commissioner, and Kurt Weinheimer, past president of the THOA, presented this problem to the appropriate people at the county and state levels. As a result of their efforts, the Department of Transportation has informed us that they will implement changes to improve this situation. If we all continue to work together for the good of our community, Taberna will remain a place that we are happy to call home.

The HOA Board of Directors holds regular meetings the second Tuesday of each month. If you have a question, concern or suggestion regarding our community, please contact one of your Board members.