Section 265.7.32. Informal procedure prior to hearing.

Any person who desires to pursue informal settlement of any contested case may make a request for an informal settlement to the executive director. When the authority is a party, all informal settlements shall be made by the executive director. All informal settlements are subject to ratification by the authority. A request for informal settlement should be received by the executive director not less than 15 days before the board meeting at which it is to be considered. The executive director shall schedule consideration of the request at the next regular board meeting occurring more than 15 days after the request for an informal settlement is made. Not more than 10 days after the authority meeting at which the request is scheduled for consideration, the executive director will notify the petitioner in writing of the authority’s disposition of the request. If the authority determines that a conference is appropriate, the party will be notified when, where, and with whom such a conference is to be held. The terms of any settlement agreed to by the parties shall be embodied in a written stipulation. Upon receipt of the request, all formal contested case procedures are stayed, except in the case of emergency orders as provided in rule 7.31(17A). If informal settlement is unsuccessful, formal contested case proceedings may be instituted in accordance with rule 7.5(17A).