Alabama Code Title 11. Counties and Municipal Corporations § 11-43B-7

Neither the council nor any of its members shall direct or request the mayor or any employee of the city to appoint or remove any person from office or position, or in any manner take part in the appointment or removal of employees in the service of the city;  but the council may express its views and freely and fully discuss with the mayor anything pertaining to the work of any employee. Employees of the city subject to civil service appointment shall be appointed pursuant to the applicable law, rule, and regulation, and in the event that such law, rule, or regulation should allow a selection by the city from among qualified candidates, such selection shall be made by the mayor. Except for the purpose of investigation or inquiry, neither the council nor any of its members shall either publicly or privately supervise, order, or give directions to any employee of the city, but shall deal with the administrative service only through the mayor. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the election or appointment of any person who is not an employee of the city to any board or agency funded or supported in whole or in part by the city.