As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires,
the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
EMPLOYEE
Any Village Commissioner, member of a Village Board or commission,
Village officer, Village employee, Village volunteer expressly authorized
by the Village to participate in a public-sponsored volunteer program
or any other person holding a Village position by election, appointment
or employment in the service of the Village, whether or not compensated,
but shall not include an independent contractor. The term "employee"
shall include a former employee of the Village his estate or judicially
appointed personal representative.
The benefits of this chapter will inure only to the employees
as defined herein and shall not enlarge or diminish the rights of
any party, nor shall any provision of this chapter be construed to
affect, alter or repeal any provisions of the Worker's Compensation
Law.
The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to impair,
alter, limit or modify the right and obligations of any insurer under
any policy of insurance.
As otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, the provisions
of this chapter shall not be construed in any way to impair, alter,
limit, modify, aggregate or restrict any immunity available to or
conferred upon any unit, entity, officer or employee of the Village
or any right to defense provided for any governmental officer or an
employee by, in accordance with or by reason of any other provision
of state or federal statutorily common law.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all actions and
proceedings specified herein which have been commenced, instituted
or brought on or after the effective date of this chapter.