Ala. Code § 45-49A-81.17
There is hereby created a board to be known as the board of pensions, for the purpose of carrying out this part. The board shall consist of four members to be selected by the City Council of the City of Prichard and three members elected by the employees of the city. The members of the board shall serve staggered terms of four years each; the city council shall set the initial terms so that no more than two members' terms expire in any one year. The board of pensions shall meet separately from the City Council of the City of Prichard. Such board shall have the same ministerial power as herein conferred on the City Council of the City of Prichard and all references in this part made to the City Council of the City of Prichard, insofar as is practicable, shall be also applicable to the board of pensions; provided, however, that any suit brought on behalf of the city under this part shall also be brought in the name of such board.
Ala. Code § 45-49A-81.17 (1975)