Staff photo by Fritz Busch New Ulm Mayor and former Brown County Historical Society Executive Director Kathleen Backer smiles in front of the Brown County Historical Society Museum Tuesday. Earlier in the day, Brown County Commissioners unanimously approved a $275,200 exterior preservation project bid contingent on approval of a Minnesota Historical & Cultural Heritage (Legacy Grant) to partially fund project construction.

NEW ULM — New Ulm Mayor Kathleen Backer smiled broadly in front of the Brown County Museum Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, Brown County Commissioners unanimously approved a $275,200 exterior preservation project bid contingent on approval of a Minnesota Historical & Cultural Heritage Legacy Grant Backer submitted to partially fund project construction.

“I think one of the important pieces of this is that we have come a long way from where we were when I began working on this (museum restoration) project in 2017, was the understanding that the museum building is owned by the county and its citizens,” she said. “It’s their responsibility to take care of it. This is our fifth round of (restoration) grants. It’s music to my ears to hear how supportive county commissioners have been and are of museum restoration projects.”

ACME Tuckpointing & Restoration of St. Paul’s $275,200 low bid was approved and includes a $95,000 county match (29% of the total project cost). Other bids were $421,169 from Building Restoration Corporation, Roseville and $636,100 from Advanced Masonry Restoration, St. Paul.

Approval came on a motion by Commissioner Tony Berg, seconded by Dave Borchert.

Commissioners also unanimously approved up to a $23,710 fee for museum exterior preservation design and construction and administration services proposed by Miller Dunwiddie, Minneapolis, which includes exterior preservation from the basement level to the third level.

Brown County Administrator Sam Hansen said the project would begin in 2027 and be part of the 2027 Brown County budget.

“There is quite a difference in bids but in talking with Melissa Eckman of Miller Dunwiddie, she felt comfortable with the bid numbers submitted and she has worked with all three companies that submitted bids,” said Hansen.

“This is our county building, we’re responsible for it and we’re well past being knee deep in repairing it. I move to repair it,” said Commissioner Tony Berg. “I think the range in bid (amounts) reflect the arena these people operate in.” Commissioner Dave Borchert seconded the motion.

“Kudos to all the work you’ve done on this,” Commissioner Scott Windschitl said to Backer. “I don’t know if this project would have gone on without somebody like you with the knowledge and desire to make it happen. Congratulations and thank you very much for your help. The county is very appreciative for everything you’ve done.”

Commissioner Brian Braun praised Backer’s work too.

“Thank you again madam mayor for all your work. I know you’ve done a lot of work on the grants to make the (museum) project possible,” he said.

Backer said to date, nearly $1.3 million in state grants have been received for museum renovation in the past nine years.

Administrator Hansen said Backer has done a lot of work, including lots of organizing to make grants happen for at least a decade.

“I echo that. Thank you mayor for your subject matter expertise. Your community service has made this much more affordable. I certainly appreciate that,” said Commissioner Borchert.