; and (U) representatives of local fire departments and emergency medical services. (b) Method of providing for council (1) In general In providing for a council for purposes of subsection (a), the chief elected official of the eligible local area may establish the council directly or designate an existing entity to serve as the council, subject to paragraph (2). (2) Consideration regarding designation of council In making a determination of whether to establish or designate a council under paragraph (1), the chief elected official shall give priority to the designation of an existing entity that has demonstrated experience in the provision of health and support services to individuals with substance use disorder within the eligible local area, that has a structure that recognizes the Federal trust responsibility when spending Federal health care dollars, and that has demonstrated a commitment to respecting the obligation of government agencies using Federal dollars to consult with Indian tribes and confer with Urban Indian health programs. (3) Joint council The Secretary shall establish a process to permit an eligible local area that is not contiguous with any other eligible local area to form a joint planning council with such other eligible local area or areas, as long as such areas are located in geographical proximity to each other, as determined by the Secretary, and submit a joint application under section 3404. (4) Joint council across State lines Eligible local areas may form a joint planning council with other eligible local areas across State lines if such areas are located in geographical proximity to each other, as determined by the Secretary, submit a joint application under section 3404, and establish intergovernmental agreements to allow the administration of the grant across State lines. (c) Membership Members of the planning council established or designated under subsection (a) shall— (1) be nominated and selected through an open process