By Terry Schrimscher, For the Tribune
SPRINGVILLE – The Springville Council welcomed Kyle Ostermeyer to the podium at the first regular monthly meeting Monday night, November 6. Ostermeyer recently closed on the purchase of the former Springville Café location and announced he plans to open a second location of his popular The Ark restaurant within weeks.
Springville Council meeting on November 6, 2023. (Credit: Terry Schrimscher)
“There’s a lot of renovations that have to be done in that building. I don’t want it to be referred to as the old Springville Café building anymore,” Ostermeyer said. “We’re going to tear down that middle wall. We’re going to paint the inside and outside. It’s going to look very Hallmark movieish.”
Ostermeyer said the restaurant should open in two to three months but renovations could begin within a week. He added the restaurant would feature the same menu as his popular restaurant in Riverside, Ala.
“This is a big win for the community. We’re excited to welcome them to the Springville community,” said Mayor Dave Thomas speaking to The Trussville Tribune. Thomas added the restaurant is a very popular spot for many in Springville and others in the county, and he expects to see huge crowds coming to the city that would otherwise drive to the far side of Pell City to eat at The Ark.
The Council also heard a presentation from Walter Lewis of Piper Sandler, an investment bank, on ways to manage the city’s investments. The city has worked with Raymond James for investments and Thomas said the city has been very pleased with the results.
“As I said in the meeting, I’m a big fan of competition. I believe in diversification and not a big fan of putting my eggs all in one basket,” Thomas said.
Former Alabama Quarterback WalterLewis of Piper Sandler. (Credit: Terry Schrimscher)
“Ultimately, I’d like to get Springville out of debt,” he added. “We have to get the best value for the Springville taxpayers.”
In other business, the Council continued resolution to the first meeting in December to make a decision on vacating a right of way on Robinson Street. The decision was made after a public hearing on the request and the Council asked for more time to make a better decision.
The Council approved an ordinance to amend business license fees. The amended ordinance would consolidate some fees into one business license for related functions.
The Council also approved an additional $10,000 to paint the outside of a water tank. The Council approved the painting of six water tanks in July.
The next meeting of the Springville City Council will be held at 6 p.m. on Nov. 21, with a work session at 5:30 p.m. prior to the meeting.
