Once the hearing examiner has been appointed by the Director, that hearing examiner shall be responsible for all matters pertaining to the hearing, including but not limited to, the following:
Prior to the hearing, the hearing examiner may meet with all parties, at a time certain, to ascertain whether there has been a settlement and to determine if the parties can stipulate to some of the facts and evidence so that only issues in dispute are contested at the hearing, thereby not unduly prolonging the hearing process.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 17, r. 17-1613