LYNN — The Lynn City Council will revisit a failed vote Friday on a contract appointing Michael Donovan as director of capital projects after a 6–5 decision Tuesday blocked the appointment and left Brett Bennett Jr.’s start as chief of inspectional services in limbo.
Donovan, currently serving in an acting capacity, retains his permanent title as chief of inspectional services. Bennett, confirmed by the council on March 11 to succeed him, cannot formally begin until Donovan’s transfer is finalized.
Mayor Jared C. Nicholson urged councilors to approve both appointments.
“We notified the Council in October that we appointed Mike Donovan to be the acting head of that new unit,” Nicholson said. “We then posted and made an offer to his successor, Brett Bennett, whom we believe will be a strong addition to the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) team. The Council decided Tuesday not to approve Mr. Donovan’s contract. I strongly urge the Council to reconsider its decision so we can move forward with the appointments of both Mr. Donovan and Mr. Bennett.”
Ward Six Councilor Fred Hogan voted against the contract.
“I voted NO and stand firm on the Donovan vote,” Hogan said. “We as a city are not in a financial position to pay out over $360,000 on these combined positions. I am in full support of the Brett Bennett Jr. position, and my vote reflects that. The City Council and the Mayor’s Office have a great working relationship, and that will continue.”
Council President Jay Walsh (Ward Seven) supports the appointment and said Donovan’s experience — including overseeing the on-time, under-budget construction of the Thurgood Marshall Middle School — makes him well-suited to manage the city’s capital repairs.
“Mike’s knowledge of our buildings and institutional history means he’s ready to lead,” Walsh said.
The position was created by a 2024 Home Rule Petition approved by both the city and state, requiring council approval of the director’s contract.
Councilor-at-Large Brian LaPierre, who initially voted no, filed the motion to reconsider.
“I learned shortly thereafter that the Donovan appointment must occur in order for the Bennett appointment to go through,” LaPierre said. “That’s where we’re hung up.”
LaPierre said he had hoped to revisit the vote at the council’s next regular meeting on April 8, when Donovan could be present. However, with Donovan away and Bennett expected to begin April 7, the council scheduled a special meeting instead.
“I will be voting to appoint Mr. Donovan to the capital projects position in order to clear the way for Mr. Brett Bennett to become our new chief of inspectional services,” LaPierre said.
Assistant City Solicitor James P. Lamanna declined to comment on whether the city has an obligation to Bennett, who left a previous job to accept the ISD position.
The council is scheduled to vote again Friday at 5:15 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber.
