Ala. Code § 45-37A-52.55
At the first meeting, which shall be held immediately following May 5, 2016, and then subsequently at the first meeting held after the election of the council after May 5, 2016, and every two years thereafter, the council shall elect an officer of the city who shall have the title of president of the council and shall preside at meetings of the council and a president pro tem, who shall act as president of the council during the absence or disability of the president. The terms of office of the president and the president pro tem shall be two years and until successors are elected and qualified. If a vacancy shall occur in the office of president of the council, the council shall elect a successor for the completion of the unexpired term. Both the president of the council and the president pro tem shall be elected from among the council members.
Ala. Code § 45-37A-52.55 (1975)