199—7.18 (17A,476) Settlements. Parties to a contested case may propose to settle all or some of the issues in the case. The board or presiding officer will not approve settlements, whether contested or uncontested, unless the settlement is reasonable in light of the whole record, consistent with law, and in the public interest. Board adoption of a settlement constitutes the final decision of the board on issues addressed in the settlement.
	 7.18(1) Proposal of settlements. Two or more parties may by written motion propose settlements for adoption by the board or presiding officer. The motion shall contain a statement adequate to advise the board or presiding officer and parties not expressly joining the proposal of its scope and of the grounds on which adoption is urged. Parties may propose a settlement for adoption by the board or presiding officer at any time.
	 7.18(2) Conference. After proposal of a settlement that is not supported by all parties, and prior to approval, the settling parties shall convene at least one conference with notice and opportunity to participate provided to all parties for the purpose of discussing the settlement proposal. Written notice of the date, time, and place shall be furnished at least seven days in advance to all parties to the proceeding. Attendance at any settlement conference shall be limited to the parties to a proceeding and their representatives. A party that has been given notice and opportunity to participate in the conference and does not do so shall be deemed to have waived its right to contest a proposed settlement, unless good cause is shown for the failure to participate.
	 7.18(3) Comment period. When a party to a proceeding does not join in a settlement proposed for adoption by the board or presiding officer, the party may file comments contesting all or part of the settlement with the board. Unless otherwise ordered by the board or presiding officer, the party shall file its comments within 14 days of filing of the motion proposing settlement, and shall serve such comments on all parties to the proceeding at the time of filing. Unless otherwise ordered by the board or presiding officer, parties shall file reply comments within 7 days of filing of the comments.
	 7.18(4) Contents of comments. A party contesting a proposed settlement must specify in its comments the portions of the settlement that it opposes, the legal basis of its opposition, and the factual issues that it contests. Any failure by a party to file comments may, at the board’s or presiding officer’s discretion, constitute waiver by that party of all objections to the settlement.
	 7.18(5) Contested settlements. If the proposed settlement is contested, in whole or in part, on any material issue of fact by any party, the board or presiding officer may schedule a hearing on the contested issue(s). The board or presiding officer may decline to schedule a hearing where the contested issue of fact is not material or where the contested issue is one of law.
	 7.18(6) Unanimous proposed settlement. In proceedings where all parties join in the proposed settlement, parties may propose a settlement for adoption by the board or presiding officer any time after docketing. Subrules 7.18(2) through 7.18(5) shall not apply to a proposed settlement filed concurrently by all parties to the proceeding.
	 7.18(7) Inadmissibility. Any discussion, admission, concession, or offer to settle, whether oral or written, made during any negotiation on a settlement shall be privileged to the extent provided by law, including, but not limited to, Iowa R. Evid. 5.408.