The purpose of this chapter is to provide legal and financial protection
for those individuals serving the Village of Angola, from losses which may
be brought against them in their individual capacity, for actions taken while
in the performance of their official duties and responsibilities. In enacting
this chapter, the Board of Trustees finds that the State of New York has enacted
similar provisions for the legal and financial security of its officers and
employees and further finds that such security is also required for local
personnel. By enactment of this chapter, the Board of Trustees does not intend
to limit or otherwise abrogate any existing right or responsibility of the
Village or its employees with regard to indemnification or legal defense.
It is solely the intent of this chapter to provide similar coverage for local
employees as is presently provided for State employees, so as to continue
to attract qualified individuals to local government service.
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 of Angola, whether or not compensated, or a
volunteer expressly authorized to participate in a municipally sponsored volunteer
program, but shall not include an independent contractor. The term "employee"
shall include a former employee, his estate or judicially appointed personal
representative.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all actions and proceedings
pending upon the effective date thereof or thereafter instituted.
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 right to defense
and/or indemnification provided for any governmental officer or employee by,
in accordance with, or by reason of any other provision of State or Federal
statutory or common law.