The Town Board hereby adopts § 18 of the Public Officers Law
and confers the benefits thereof upon all town officers and employees.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
TOWN EMPLOYEE
Any member of a public board or commission, officer, employee, volunteer
expressly authorized to participate in a publicly sponsored volunteer program
or any other person holding a position by election, appointment or employment
in the service of the Town of West Bloomfield. The term "town employee" shall
not include an independent contractor. The term "town employee" shall include
a former employee, the employee's estate or a judicially appointed personal
representative.
The town shall provide for the defense of any town officer or employee
in any civil action or proceeding arising out of any alleged act or omission
in which it is alleged that the officer or employee has violated the civil
rights of the claimant, petitioner or plaintiff under §§ 1981
and 1983 of the United States Civil Rights Act. The town shall indemnify and
save harmless such officer or employees in the amount of any judgment or settlement
of claim obtained against such officer or employee. Such legal defense and
indemnification shall be provided where the officer or employee at the time
of such alleged act or omission was acting in good faith and within the scope
of his public employment, power or duties. The provision of this section shall
be in addition to any other statute, local law or enactment providing legal
defense and indemnification in civil actions brought against such officer
or employee.