Ames' Mayor-elect says getting ready for the job has been a bit like "drinking from a fire hose." John Haila says he's spent nearly 20 hours since Election Day meeting with department heads and learning about city operations, in addition to spending time in one-on-one meetings with city council members. He says he and the council will be busy immediately after the new year as they the city's annual budget. Haila and incumbent City Council members Amber Corrieri and Gloria Betcher will be sworn in January 2nd. Third Ward member David Martin was sworn in last week. The Ames City Council's first 2018 meeting is January 9th.