Contested case is defined in N.D.C.C. 28-32-01(4):'Contested case' means a proceeding, including but not restricted to ratemaking and licensing, in which the legal rights, duties, or privileges of a party are required by law to be determined by an agency after an opportunity for hearing.[552 N.W.2d 339]The hearing officer concluded this was a contested case and placed the burden upon the Depar