90- 564 C.M.R. ch. 3, § 7
If the appellant and Commissioner or State Fire Marshal agree to use mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution in an attempt to resolve an appeal and so notify the Appeals Panel, the Appeals Panel will not hear the matter until the conclusion of that effort, provided the effort at resolution does not extend beyond six months from the date of filing of the appeal. If the appellant and Commissioner or State Fire Marshal wish to request additional time beyond six months, they shall file a request with the Appeals Panel, which request shall be ruled upon by the Chair of the Panel or designee. The Appeals Panel may accept, reject or modify any mediated settlement that does not include withdrawal of the appeal.
90- 564 C.M.R. ch. 3, § 7