Council approves amended MOU with Mountain View clarifying merchant rate after 2036
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Summary
The council approved a last‑minute amendment to the memorandum of understanding with Mountain View relating to operation of the smart station, clarifying how Mountain View’s merchant rate will be calculated if it moves to a merchant agreement after the MOU expires in 2036.
The City Council voted to approve an amendment to the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Sunnyvale and Mountain View concerning operation of the smart station and the allocation of merchant fees after the current MOU expires in 2036.
Environmental Services Director Ramana Chinnakutla told the council the change — recommended by the city attorney and bond counsel — clarifies "how the merchant rate that Mountain View pays will be calculated in the future after 2036 when the current MOU expires," and addresses an option Mountain View has to transition from a partnership agreement to a merchant agreement at that time.
Councilmember Srinivasan asked how Mountain View’s share (about 26.76% in staff material) is calculated; staff said the percentage was based on the tonnage each city brings in at the time of bond sale and that Cupertino participates via a different merchant agreement model. Vice Mayor Sowell moved passage; Councilmember Srinivasan seconded. The motion carried 5–0 (Councilmembers Cisneros and Lay absent).
Sources: Staff presentation and council vote, Oct. 28, 2025.