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Commission for Women hears Empower Her mentoring update, debates reimbursements and outstanding invoices
Summary
Commissioners heard that the Empower Her mentor program is completing its first quarter, reviewed a real‑time commission balance of $4,725, and debated reimbursement requests and unpaid invoices; a motion to reimburse the vice chair for two breakfasts failed.
The North Miami Commission for Women received a program update on the Empower Her mentor series and reviewed the commission’s current budget position during its May 19 meeting, and members debated whether to reimburse out‑of‑pocket expenses.
Staff reported the commission had incurred approximately $775 in expenses so far this fiscal year and showed a remaining balance of $4,725. The Empower Her mentor program — a monthly educational session held at the Scott Galvin Community Center — is concluding its first quarter and will hold its next session on June 13.
A board member who coordinates the mentor sessions described steady participant engagement and praised recent presenters; “The women really enjoy the presentations,” a program lead said, adding that presenters have been “dynamic” and practical for attendees.
Payment and reimbursement issues drew sustained discussion. Commissioners identified two outstanding items: a performance coach, David Saint Louis, who the record shows is owed $375, and a $281 program book expense. Staff said they had received Mr. Saint Louis’s invoice and circulated it to the assistant city attorney and staff for payment processing.
Separately, Board Member Claudia Pazmino moved to reimburse Vice Chair Faraja LaFortune for two continental breakfasts she purchased for Empower Her sessions. The motion was seconded and taken up on the floor; the chair announced the motion failed on the record (transcript records "the motion fails"). The transcript does not include an itemized vote roll call for that motion.
Policy context and next steps: Staff and legal counsel noted that reimbursements typically require prior approval or a subsequent board vote and that the commission may want to adopt clearer reimbursement parameters. Members suggested creating guidelines or spending caps, seeking sponsorships for recurring food costs and approaching local businesses to underwrite refreshments.
The commission also discussed the monthly networking/mixer schedule and resolved to keep a consistent venue (Katz) at least through the end of the fiscal cycle to ease communications; staff committed to post updated flyers and coordinate with the city communications team.
