A lawsuit filed against the municipality of Monroeville and appointees on its redevelopment authority was dismissed this week.

John A. Danzilli, a Monroeville resident and former councilman, sued the municipality and redevelopment board of director appointees Georgianna Woodhall, Diane Allison, Marilyn Skolnick, Barbara Sonafelt and Jay Wright because he felt their appointments violated Monroeville's home rule charter.

The charter calls for 25 days' public notice of intended appointment, nomination at a public meeting and confirmation at the next regular business meeting.

He also argued the mayor can make board appointments only when a vacancy exists. Former mayor James Lomeo made the appointments at a Feb. 12 council meeting before submitting his resignation.

Mr. Danzilli's suit also said five-year appointments for Mr. Wright and Ms. Woodhall violate term limits. Mr. Wright and Ms. Sonafelt were dismissed from the case because they did not contest its claims.

Judge Timothy Patrick O'Reilly said Monday the mayor had the right to appoint members to the board because it was newly established and there are no vacancies when an agency is formed. He also ruled the municipality's home rule charter does not supersede the mayor's right to appoint.

Regarding Ms. Woodhall's term, Judge O'Reilly said the five-year term doesn't violate her appointment and the issue of term limits can be addressed if she chooses to serve more than five years.

Judge O'Reilly also dismissed claims of gender bias based on Mr. Wright being the only male appointee.