Chemers said at Tuesday’s annual joint meeting between university officials and the Santa Cruz City Council that the university is proposing to eventually grow to 21,000 students.

But in the next few years, the university’s population isn’t expected to swell much at all; the 2004-05 enrollment is proposed to be just 32 more students than currently attend the university. Because of that, Chemers said, city and university leaders have a unique opportunity to tackle some of the thornier issues before growth starts in earnest.

"This gives us a watershed period to plan before the growth begins," said Chemers, who took over the chancellor position in March after longtime Chancellor M.R.C. Greenwood was tapped for a top University of California position. "There are many opportunities for collaboration. I’m going to name a few of the things that we are ready to do now, and they are not insignificant."

Among Chemer’s proposals:

Allow the use of part of the Texas Instruments site on the city’s Westside that UCSC is buying for a business incubator. A group of government, business and university representatives would be convened to study the feasibility of such a plan.

Bring private developers in to build private housing on UCSC land for city residents such as firefighters and teachers.

Open discussions about an alternate access to UCSC — but not a "boulevard through the Pogonip" greenbelt land. He proposed instead that the university take on a rigorous study of previous ideas and new technology. Mayor Scott Kennedy suggested a train that skirts Pogonip and starts in the Harvey West neighborhood.

Increase distance-learning classes that would reduce the number of students who clog local streets on the way up to campus. It’s also possible the university will look at opening satellite campuses in Monterey or Santa Clara counties to reduce traffic.

Provide land at the Long Marine Lab for a desalination plant that would provide water in a drought. Councilman Mike Rotkin pointed out that the desalination plant is not meant to replace sound water planning, but only intended to be used in case of a drought. The desalination plant could not be tied to the university’s future growth and UCSC would have to prove there is the water available now to justify its growth, he said.

Offer to pay the university’s "fair share" of money toward road and traffic improvements in the city.

Help extend the tourist season in town. Among the suggestions: lengthen the run of the annual Shakespeare Santa Cruz festival, capitalize on the university’s research for eco-tourism or include university arts events in the city’s tourism packages. Chemers offered to hold meetings personally with city officials to set the proposal in motion. Councilwoman Emily Reilly suggested an admissions tax for Shakespeare Santa Cruz that could be passed along to the city.
City Council members were pleased with the proposals, but also cautious.

"I think a lot of the council was pleasantly surprised by the proposals," Kennedy said later Tuesday. "These meetings have a tendency to be pro forma, but this one really had substantive proposals, even offers."

Kennedy said the city will "get moving" immediately on the Shakespeare Santa Cruz and desal plant proposals.

Several council members suggested meeting formally with university leaders more than once a year, as well as meeting earlier in the academic year, so city officials have a chance to plan for the university’s growth. Chemers agreed that an earlier meeting would be wise.

Chemers suggested the city and university begin holding lecture series or conferences on the major issues that plague the city, such as traffic, water shortages and other problems. City officials seemed enthusiastic about the idea.

Kennedy opened Tuesday’s meeting by saying the city must make a genuine move toward "partnership" with the university in the coming years. But members of the public said they were frustrated they weren’t allotted more time to offer their input.

"I remember when the first meeting between the city and university was held, and it was to gather information from the public so we could talk to both bodies assembled here today," said resident and UCSC employee Gillian Greensite.

"I believe if there were more residents here today, you would hear more people saying what I’m saying. I’d like to hear a strong voice in support of keeping enrollment at 15,000 students and no more. The impact of growth is truly alarming."