"I never discuss settlements, discussions of settlement, possible discussions of settlements, and I never discuss what I'm thinking about them because they're all confidential," the mayor told reporters.
"After the lawsuit was filed, there were never any discussions about settlement".
"We want to be at the table for any discussions about settlements," Mr. Israelite said.
"I thought I was in a good-faith confidential settlement discussion," Mr. Boulter said.
"The purpose of the settlement discussion is to establish the legitimate basis on which the service can continue," he said.
He scheduled another hearing for June 23 for a discussion of the settlement terms at which plaintiffs can pose questions or raise concerns.
Mr. Jones's group, which does not include any plaintiffs, is asking for changes at the company that may be similar to those under discussion in the settlement talks.
In the new court order issued Monday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Laporte says the two will have to attend a settlement discussion on March 21, with executives present who are in a position to be able to negotiate a binding agreement.
We have made it very clear that we are prepared to engage in further settlement discussion to narrow our differences and to submit outstanding issues to binding arbitration.
Discussion surrounding the settlement of the New World has recently gained momentum with advances in molecular biology, archaeology and bioanthropology.
