As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the
following terms shall have the meanings indicated.
EMPLOYEE
Any person holding a position by election, appointment or employment
in the service of the Village, whether or not compensated or a volunteer expressly
authorized to participate in a Village-sponsored volunteer program, but shall
not include an independent contractor. The term "employee" shall include a
former employee, his/her estate or his/her judicially appointed personal representative.
The benefits of this chapter shall inure only to employees as defined
herein and shall not enlarge or diminish the rights of any other party.
This chapter shall not in any way affect the obligation of any claimant
to give notice of claim to the Village under any provisions of law.
The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to impair, alter,
limit or modify the rights and obligations of any insurer under any policy
of insurance.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all actions and proceedings
instituted on or after the effective date thereof.
Except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, the provisions
of this chapter shall not be construed in any way to impair, alter, limit,
modify, abrogate or restrict any immunity available to or conferred upon any
unit, entity, officer or employee of the Village or any other level of government
or any right to defense and/or indemnification provided for any governmental
officer or employee by, in accordance with or by reason of any other provisions
of Village, county, state or federal statutory or common law.