1. Upon the agreement of the director, and the known interested parties, a hearing may be held without formal notice at such time and place as all of the parties may agree.

2. In all disputes arising from rights or obligations under sections 276.401 to 276.581 and regulations promulgated hereunder in which all parties are private persons and in which the director is not involved as a party, the parties shall be afforded the opportunity to settle and resolve such dispute prior to a hearing held pursuant to sections 276.401 to 276.581.