Ala. Code § 41-10-83

In the event that any number of natural persons, not less than three, shall file with the governing body an application in writing for authority to incorporate a public corporation under the provisions of this article, and it shall be made to appear to the governing body that each of said persons is a duly qualified elector of and owner of property in the municipality and the governing body shall duly adopt a resolution declaring that it will be wise, expedient, and necessary or advisable that such corporation be formed and that the persons filing such application shall be authorized to proceed to form such corporation, then the said persons shall become the incorporators of and shall proceed to incorporate the corporation in the manner provided in this article. No corporation shall be formed under this article unless the application provided for in this section shall be made and unless the resolution provided for in this section shall be adopted.