Interim Minneapolis Police Chief Tim Dolan is one step closer to getting the top-cop spot.

With three votes of support, the city’s five-member Executive Committee recommended Wednesday that Dolan become the new police chief.

This is the first step toward final approval of Mayor R.T. Rybak’s nominee. The committee’s recommendation is required under the city charter.

If Dolan passes the full City Council vote, which could happen as early as Oct. 20, he’ll be sworn in as chief for a three-year term, beginning Jan. 2.

Executive Committee members Cam Gordon, Barbara Johnson and Rybak supported Dolan. Council member Robert Lilligren and Scott Benson abstained from voting.

Lilligren defended his abstention, saying he wasn’t ready to support Dolan, but not willing to vote against him.

Benson said he needed more information before making a final decision.

The nomination now goes to the Public Safety and Regulatory Services Committee, which will hold a public hearing Oct. 18. That morning, the committee will decide whether to send Dolan’s nomination to the full council.

Five of the six committee members have publicly supported Dolan, Rybak spokeswoman Tina Smith said.