An ordinance banning tattooing in DeKalb will not be on the agenda for tonight’s city council meeting because health risks need to be studied further.

City Attorney Ron Matekaitis said he is considering data from other communities in order to have a clearer understanding of the health problems they have had with tattoo parlors.

“We’re not going to rush into anything until we have got the proper material together for an ordinance,” Matekaitis said. One of the council members expressed a desire for more information about potential risks from tattooing, he said.

The information will be complete enough for the ordinance to be introduced at the April 22 city council meeting, Matekaitis said.

The proposed ordinance originally was scheduled for tonight following a consideration passed March 25 demanding a ban on tattooing in DeKalb. A tattoo parlor recently set up at 345 W. Lincoln Hwy. prompted concerns when it was discovered that DeKalb had no laws regarding tattooing.

“The fact the business is open is not a factor” in the ordinance, Matekaitis said.

Items on tonight’s city council agenda include a garbage collection price increase and issuance of a $2.5 million Tax Increment Funding bond for the city. The city also will consider a request from NIU for money in a tree-replanting project for Huber Park and Buena Vista Golf Course.

The council also will decide whether to appoint Gary Wiggins as acting 3rd Ward alderman effective tonight, a month before his aldermanic term begins May 1. Wiggins was elected to the vacant seat in last Tuesday’s election.