Ala. Code § 45-57A-63.179

For the purpose of nominating and electing members of the council, this part shall become applicable to any city adopting the council-manager form of government upon the filing of the certificate of adoption by the judge of probate with the mayor of the city as provided for in Section 45–57A–63.04. For all other purposes this part shall become applicable to the city at the time when the first council of the city elected under this part takes office and qualifies.