Partly cloudy skies early then becoming cloudy with periods of rain late. Low around 40F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%..
Partly cloudy skies early then becoming cloudy with periods of rain late. Low around 40F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%.
Updated: March 25, 2026 @ 8:22 pm
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Shawn Markham of SolTek LLC, along with partner Paul Kreidermacher (on left) presents their solar farm plan to the Pokegama Township Planning Council.
A solar farm proposal fills Pokegama Town Hall for a public hearing on a conditional use permit for the farm.
Shawn Markham of SolTek LLC, along with partner Paul Kreidermacher (on left) presents their solar farm plan to the Pokegama Township Planning Council.
A solar farm proposal fills Pokegama Town Hall for a public hearing on a conditional use permit for the farm.
A decision by the Pokegama Township Planning Commission on whether to allow a solar farm on agriculturally zoned land is tabled until their next regular meeting on April 20 at 7 p.m. The Pokegama Township Board will have the final decision after being given the recommendation by the planning commission.
The public hearing on the proposed solar farm, drawing a packed town hall and requiring extra chairs to be brought out, drew some support and mostly concern during a public hearing in Pokegama Township, where planning commissioners weighed in on whether the project fits within local zoning rules and community expectations.
The application was submitted by SolTek LLC for a conditional use permit to allow a solar farm on a 37-acre parcel in an agriculturally zoned district. The property is located at 14305 Tigua Rd., Pine City and owned by Edwina Allee and John H. Mette, with an estimated market value of $122,900, and previously owned by Dwight and Carol Lightfoot. The property is located on a visible curve and the well-traveled Tigua Road.
During the public hearing, Pokegama Township Planning Commission Chair Ed Larka outlined the public hearing process, with Pokegama Township Zoning Administrator Gordy Johnson presenting the proposal before taking comments from the applicant and the public.
Johnson said the application, submitted by Shawn Markham of SolTek LLC, seeks approval for a solar installation in an agricultural district where such use is not explicitly listed in the township’s zoning ordinance.
“If a use is not specifically permitted, it is prohibited,” Johnson said. “The main question is whether the commission wants utility-scale solar farms within Pokegama Township’s agricultural district. I’ve gotten many calls just on this issue.”
Currently the Agricultural District’s purpose, according to Pokegama Township zoning documents, is “to provide a district which will allow suitable areas of the township to be retained and utilized in agricultural uses, prevent scattered non-farm uses from developing improperly, promote orderly development, and secure economy in government for public utilities and services.”
Permitted uses include, farm buildings, farm production, greenhouses or nurseries, tree farms, wildlife areas/preserves/parks, temporary or roadside stands of ag products, and single family dwellings. Conditional uses include commercial parks/campgrounds/shooting ranges/hunting preserves, commercial mining operations, cemeteries, kennels, and manufactured home parks.
He explained that while smaller solar systems are allowed, larger-scale developments are not currently addressed in the ordinance. The commission must determine whether the proposed project is similar in character to other permitted uses and whether it would be detrimental to public health and welfare.
Johnson noted that Pokegama and neighboring Pine City Township are among the last in the county without provisions for large-scale solar, as other townships in Pine County have already allowed such developments.
The proposed project would cover about 37 acres and generate roughly 2.88 megawatts of power, according to Markham. He said the site, currently used as a hayfield, would largely remain unchanged aside from the installation of solar panels mounted on posts and enclosed by fencing.
“We’re not changing the land use underneath,” Markham said. “The grass will still grow. It can return to farmland after the project’s lifespan.”
Markham said the system would have a lifespan of about 25 years and include measures such as vegetative screening and pollinator-friendly ground cover. He also noted the project would not include battery storage and would supply power locally through East Central Energy.
Markham noted that he has been in the renewable business for 22 years and own other solar farm systems. One of which is at Osprey Wilds where they have partnered with ECE to make the facility 100% green energy.
Supporters of the project argued that solar energy aligns with agricultural use and state energy goals.
“I’ve never heard anything detrimental about solar,” one resident said. “On our farm, we consider it harvesting the sun.”
Others raised concerns about aesthetics, property values and long-term impacts.
“I personally don’t want to be driving and looking at something like this,” one resident said. “It takes away the beauty of the land.”
Several speakers questioned whether approving the project would open the door to additional solar developments. Johnson confirmed that if the commission determines the use is acceptable, it could set a precedent for similar proposals.
“That means once we approve this, it opens the floodgates,” he said.
“You can deny an application if it adversely affects the township,” said Larka, “[Like] polluting or a marijuana operation in Royalton Township that tries to come here.” Johnson added that it depends on the interpretation the town board makes, along with whether or not it fits into the comprehensive plan.
Residents also asked about environmental risks, decommissioning plans and ownership changes. Markham said the project would include a $75,000 decommissioning bond held in escrow by the township to ensure removal of the equipment if abandoned. He stressed that the land itself is valuable though and would be likely be sold at the termination of the solar farm.
Pokegama Township Supervisor Jason Zastera questioned if the materials used to make the solar panels were hazardous. Markham responded saying they would possibly be harmful if broken by three-inch hail. “How many are there of those [storms]?” he asked. At that, the crowd in the town hall erupted with some mentioning the large hailstorm just a couple years ago in the area.
Concerns were also raised about potential rezoning, third-party ownership and the possibility of future development on the site.
Planning commissioners did not make a decision at the hearing which went two hours. The planning commission meetings last from 7-9 p.m. so it was determined discussion would reconvene at the next planning commission meeting on April, 20.
“This is an uphill battle when a use is not listed,” Johnson said. “Ultimately, it’s up to the township to decide what fits its character.”
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