(a) Regardless of whether an appeal will be decided after a hearing or on the written record, the Board may, on its own initiative or at the request of one of the parties, convene a conference to consider:

(1) Simplifying or clarifying the issues;

(2) Obtaining stipulations, admissions, agreements on documents, understandings on matters already of record, and similar agreements to avoid unnecessary proof;

(3) Limiting the number of witnesses and avoiding cumulative evidence;

(4) Settling any of the disputed issues; and

(5) Discussing any other matters that may aid in disposing of the appeal.

(b) The Board will prepare a written summary of any conference with the parties. The written summary will be part of the record.