The officer presiding at a hearing shall have all the powers necessary or appropriate to conduct a fair and full hearing, including the powers:
(a)
To regulate the course of the proceedings;
(b)
To dispose of procedural requests, objections, and comparable matters;
(c)
To confine the presentations to the issues specified in the notice of hearing, or, where no issues are specified, to matters pertinent to the proposed rule;
(d)
To regulate the conduct of those present at the hearing by appropriate means;
(e)
In his discretion, to permit cross- examination of any witness;
(f)
To take official notice of material facts not appearing in the evidence in the record, so long as parties are entitled, on timely request, to an opportunity to show the contrary; and
(g)
In his discretion, to keep the record open for a reasonable, stated time to receive written recommendations, and supporting reasons, and additional data, views, and arguments from any person who has participated in the oral proceeding.