BEND, OR -- Leaders for the City of Bend and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs met to discuss common issues during a joint council meeting Wednesday.

Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler welcomed tribal leaders to the council chamber. “The Bend City Council is honored today to host the tribal council of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. This is the first of what we hope will be many Intergovernmental meetings between our two governments to talk about shared issues and concerns.”

Warm Springs CEO Bobby Brunoe told the City Council the Confederated Tribes can include Bend in their ‘good neighbor policy’, “It's about how do we work with each other? How do we collaborate with each other? Work on projects that are in common interest with each other? So, we can move those forward as a group.”

Brunoe says water usage is always a concern, “We draw water straight from the Deschutes River… goes into a water treatment plant and then serves our community. So, you know, water quality is a very important thing.”

Tribal Council Chairman Raymond Tsumpti echoed Brunoe’s sentiment, “Keep us in mind as to the water always. I mean, not asking you to cater to us, but to keep us in mind when we do submit comment, we'd like to be heard.”

Mayor Kebler talked about another ongoing problem, “Economic development opportunities including work around housing. That's something that is a top concern for our constituents here in Bend is making sure there's enough homes for everyone.”

She also wants to hold more joint meetings, “One of the action items we wanted to have out of this meeting was actually a commitment of our two governments to meet at least annually and that we would come to you next time, and come to meet with your government up in Warm Springs.”

Kebler tells KBND News city staff will work up a memo to plan another meeting with the Confederated Tribes.