A magistrate judge is a judicial officer of the district court. A magistrate judge of this district is designated to perform, and may be assigned, any duty allowed by law to be performed by a magistrate judge. Performance of a duty by a magistrate judge will be governed by the applicable provisions of federal statutes and rules, the general procedural rules of this court, and the requirements specified in any order or reference from a district judge. In performing a duty, a magistrate judge may determine preliminary matters; require parties, attorneys, and witnesses to appear; require briefs, proofs, and argument; and conduct any hearing, conference, or other proceeding the magistrate judge deems appropriate.