BANGOR — Efforts to develop a children’s museum in the Bangor area got a big boost Wednesday night as the City Council voted unanimously to chip in $25,000 toward start-up costs.

The funds previously were set aside for the Forum Francophone des Affaires, which ended up not locating in Bangor.

“Obviously we think this project is about children’s growth and economic growth,” said Sean Faircloth, executive director of Partnerships for Healthy Communities.

“I think it’s a great idea,” said Mayor Patricia Blanchette. “It’s one step forward to enhancing the lifestyle of generations to come.”

The museum’s development committee is trying to raise $55,000 for start-up costs. The project already has received pledges totaling $14,000 from Bangor Publishing Co., Bangor Savings Bank and Merrill Merchants Bank.

In other business, the council extended the city’s franchise agreement with A-R Cable Services to Jan. 26, 1998, and approved a transfer of the franchise to FrontierVision Operating Partners.

A third resolution, approving a franchise agreement with FrontierVision, received a first reading Wednesday and will be up for a final vote Oct. 27.

Also on Wednesday, the council:

Voted to extend City Manager Edward Barrett’s contract from June 30, 1998, to June 30, 1999.

Gave a first reading to a bond issue for up to $2 million to help build a multipurpose stadium that would be home to the Bangor Blue Ox baseball team. The resolution was referred to the finance committee, which will meet at 5 p.m. Monday at City Hall.

Gave a first reading to a bond issue for up to $425,000 to renovate the Bangor City Nursing Facility and establish a “continuum of care.” Five of the 61 nursing home beds will be eliminated, and 17 boarding home beds will be added. The resolution was referred to the finance committee.

Approved a proclamation to mark National Business Women’s Week, Oct. 20-26. Several members of the Bangor chapter of Business and Professional Women attended the meeting to receive the proclamation.

Approved a proclamation making October the Month of the Young Adolescent. Receiving the proclamation was Robby MacDonald, principal of Fifth Street Middle School.