Not out of the ordinary.
Attempted mediation is a prerequiste step to any dispute other than the OC asking for a fine to be imposed after a Notice to Comply with By-Law has been ignored.
Mediation costs time and money, especialy if the SM has to attend, and it is not compulsory, either party may decline to attend.
If either party believes their case is iron-clad, why go where you are expected to compromise?
What is the nature of the dispute?