House committee substitute makes the following changes to the 2nd edition.

Changes the long title to AN ACT TO AMEND THE CHARTER OF THE TOWN OF COLUMBIA TO EXTEND THE TERM OF OFFICE FOR THE MAYOR AND CLARIFY THAT THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN SERVE FOUR YEAR STAGGERED TERMS AND TO AUHTORIZE THE TOWN OF HOPE MILLS TO TAKE IMMEDIATE POSSESSION OF REAL PROPERTY CONDEMNED BY THE TOWN FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES IN CONNECTION WITH THE HOPE MILLS LAKE AND HOPE MILLS LAKE DAM PROJECT. Changes the short title.

Deletes all provisions of the previous edition and now provides the following.

Section 1

Amends Section 4 of the Charter of the Town of Columbia (Charter) in SL 1941-423, concerning the creation, salary, and composition of mayor and the board of aldermen, to increase the term of the mayor and the board of aldermen from two- to four-year terms, and until their successors are elected and qualified. Deletes language that established the terms of office for the aldermen and mayor are to begin on the first day of July next following their election, and replaces it with a provision that the terms of office for the aldermen and mayor are to begin at the first regular meeting in December following their election. 

Changes the descriptor of Section 12 of the Charter to Election of Mayor; Election of the Board of Aldermen (previously, Municipal Elections). Deletes the existing language of Section 12 and replaces it with the following. Directs that the mayor and members of the board of aldermen are to be elected to four-year terms by the qualified voters of the entire town. Establishes that in 2017, and quadrennially thereafter, the regular election for mayor is to be held on the first Tuesday in November, and be separate from the aldermen. Establishes that the regular election for the members of the board of aldermen is to be held the first Tuesday in November in odd-numbered years. Establishes that in 2017, and quadrennially thereafter, members are to be elected to Seats 1, 2, and 3 for four-year terms, and in 2019, and quadrennially thereafter, members are to be elected to Seats 4 and 5 for four-year terms, thereby creating staggered terms for the members of the board of aldermen.

Validates previous elections of the Town of Columbia since January 1, 1977, and ratifies and confirms all actions of the board of aldermen since January 1, 1977.

Section 2

Amends GS 40-42(a)(1) to provide that, in addition to existing delineated purposes, when a local public condemnor is acquiring property by condemnation for a purpose set out in GS 40A-3(b)(3) (condemnation for the purpose of establishing, enlarging, or improving parks, playgrounds, and other recreational facilities), unless an action for injunctive relief has been initiated, title to the property specified in the complaint, together with the right of immediate possession, vests in the condemnor upon the filing of the complaint and the making of the deposit in accordance with GS 40A-41 (institution of condemnation action and deposit). Applies only to the Town of Hope Mills for taking of property for projects involving or relating to Hope Mills Lake or the Hope Mills Lake dam. Expires July 1, 2019.