i think i solved the problem using flyback clamping diodes. i ran a few hundred cycles with the added clamping diodes and it seems to have fixed the problem.
in doing some reading, I believe there was some type of EMP or motor induction issue when the contacts of the relay were abruptly opened.
i came across a few other similar situations in looking at forums for some similar products. this particular thread did a pretty good job of explaining the problem and fix if anyone else comes across this problem… <LINK_TEXT text=“https://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/view … p?t=138427”>https://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=138427</LINK_TEXT>