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o The notification should, if possible, be accompanied by personal discussions to enable the Initiating Party and Tree Owner to attempt to reach a mutually agreeable solution. If personal discussions fail, neighborhood associations may be willing to assist with the resolution of the obstruction dispute. For trees located on Town-owned property, see Section 10-2.8.1.16. 2. Mediation: If the initial reconciliation attempt fails, the Initiating Party shall propose mediation as a timely means to settle the obstruction dispute. Acceptance of mediation by the-Tree Owner shall be voluntary, but the Tree Owner shall have no more than 30 days from service of notice to either accept or reject the offer of mediation. If mediation is accepted, the parties shall mutually agree upon a Mediator within 10 days. . It is recommended that the services,of a professionally.trained mediator be employed. The Los Altos Mediation Program(L.A.M.P) is an example of such a service. The mediation meeting may be informal. The mediation process may include the hearing of viewpoints of lay or expert witnesses, and shall include a site visit to the properties of the Initiating Party and the Tree Owner. Parties are encouraged to contact immediate neighbors and solicit input. The Mediator shall consider the purposes and policies set forth in this Chapter in attempting to help resolve the dispute. The Mediator shall not have the power to issue binding orders for Restorative Action, but shall strive to enable the parties to resolve their dispute by written agreement in order to eliminate the need for binding arbitration or litigation. Section 5-9.10. Tree Claim Preparation. In the event that the Initial Reconciliation process-fails, and mediation either is declined by the Tree Owner or fails, the Initiating Party must prepare a Tree Claim, and provide a copy to the Tree Owner, in order to pursue either binding arbitration or litigation under the authority established by this Chapter. A Tree Claim shall consist of all of the following: (a) A description of the nature and extent of the alleged obstruction, including pertinent and corroborating physical evidence. Evidence may include, but is not limited to photographic prints, negatives or slides. Such evidence must show absence of the obstruction at any time since they purchased their property or not more than 15 years prior to adoption of this ordinance whichever option results in less time. (b) The location of all trees alleged to cause.the obstruction, the address of the property upon which the tree(s) are located, and the present tree owner's name and address. 630225-1 8