Four people were named as finalists for the position

By Louis Hoglund

Editor, Pelican Rapids Press 

A familiar face will return to Pelican Rapids City Hall, but in a new role. 

Former public works staff member Lance Roisum was chosen as the new city administrator following action Thursday, Nov. 3 by the city council. 

Four finalists were interviewed Nov. 2 over a nearly six-hour period, including Vergas city clerk/treasurer Julie Lammers, who was also a former Pelican Rapids’ city employee.

The council discussed the appointment for several hours and returned to finalize the salary package and other details. 

Roisum was with the city from 2004 to 2018, but has held a position with Lakes Country Service Cooperative since 2019 as a health and safety facilitator for schools and government agencies throughout the region. 

Roisum comes to the position with a degree in business administration and finance from Mayville State University—and a solid work record with the city and the service cooperative. 

But his administration and management experience is limited. 

“There is a high learning curve….It’s going to be tough,” said Councilman Steve Foster. 

The council displayed its confidence in Roisum, voting unanimously to offer him the position. 

Participating in the interview process was a select volunteer committee, which included former Pelican mayor Wayne Runningen; longtime business owner Phil Stotesbery; Chamber of Commerce President Joe Clauson; area real estate broker Mike Carlson; and the Rev. Justin Fure.

Also involved in the interviews were all six of the city’s department heads—including Roisum’s former boss, Brian Olson. Roisum will now be the administrator of all of those city departments, including the police, public works, and office staff. 

The other finalists interviewed were Tom Mortenson, a past administrator with Becker County and a past building and zoning director in Florida and Lukas Darling, the deputy town administrator in Otterbein, Indiana. 

The official starting date for Rosium is Dec. 5.

Editor’s Note: This story appears courtesy of the Pelican Rapids Press.