(a) Whether the case is to be submitted pursuant to § 955.12, or heard pursuant to §§ 955.18 through 955.25, the Board may upon its own initiative or upon the application of either party, convene a conference to consider:

1. (1) The simplification or clarification of the issues;
2. (2) The possibility of obtaining stipulations, admissions, agreements on documents, understandings on matters already of record, or similar agreements which will avoid unnecessary proof;
3. (3) The limitation of the number of expert witnesses, or avoidance of similar cumulative evidence, if the case is to be heard;
4. (4) The possibility of agreement disposing of all or any of the issues in dispute; and
5. (5) Such other matters as may aid in the disposition of the appeal.